An Act relating to Quarantine

This Act may be cited as the Quarantine Act 1908.

This Act shall commence on a day to be fixed by proclamation.

2A Power to supersede Quarantine measures under State Acts

(1) Whenever the Governor‑General is satisfied that an emergency exists which makes it necessary to do so, he or she may, by proclamation, declare that any or all measures of quarantine prescribed by or under any State Act shall, for such period as is specified in the proclamation, cease to have effect, and such measure shall thereupon cease to have effect accordingly.

(2) The Governor‑General may at any time revoke or vary any such proclamation.

2B Proclamation in event of epidemic

(1) Where the Governor‑General is satisfied that an epidemic caused by a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest or danger of such an epidemic exists in a part of the Commonwealth, the Governor‑General may, by proclamation, declare the existence in that part of the Commonwealth of that epidemic or of the danger of that epidemic.

(2) Upon the issue of a proclamation under subsection (1) the Minister may, during the period the proclamation remains in force, give such directions and take such action as he or she thinks necessary to control and eradicate the epidemic, or to remove the danger of the epidemic, by quarantine measures or measures incidental to quarantine.

Note: Under section 149.1 of the Criminal Code, it is an offence to obstruct a person who is taking any action that the person is authorised to take under this subsection.

(2A) If the Governor‑General is satisfied that the epidemic or danger of an epidemic to which a proclamation issued under subsection (1) relates has the potential so to affect an industry of national significance that it calls for the exercise of coordinated response powers in accordance with section 3, the Governor‑General may, in the proclamation issued under subsection (1), declare it to be a proclamation to which section 3 applies.

(2B) A direction may be given, or an action taken, by the Minister under subsection (2) despite the provisions of any other Commonwealth law, or of any law of a State or Territory.

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under subsection (2); and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

(4) In paragraph (3)(a), strict liability applies to the physical element of circumstance, that the direction given to the person was under subsection (2).

Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

3 Coordinated response powers

(1) If a proclamation under subsection 2B(1) is declared to be a proclamation to which this section applies, the Minister may, during the period the proclamation remains in force, by instrument in writing:

(a) authorise persons who are the executive heads of national response agencies:

(i) to give such directions; and

(ii) to take such action;

as the persons think necessary, subject to any conditions or limitations specified under subsection (4):

(iii) to control and eradicate the epidemic; or

(iv) to remove the danger of the epidemic;

by quarantine measures or measures incidental to quarantine; or

(b) revoke any authorisation so given.

(2) If the Minister, under subsection (1), authorises the executive head of a national response agency to give directions, and to take action, in accordance with that subsection, the executive head of that agency may, while that authorisation remains in force, by instrument in writing:

(a) authorise a person performing duties in that agency:

(i) to give such directions of a kind that the executive head of the agency could give and that are specified in the instrument; or

(ii) to take such action of a kind that the executive head of the agency could take and that is specified in the instrument;

as the person considers necessary, subject to any conditions or limitations specified under subsection (4):

(iii) to control and eradicate the epidemic; or

(iv) to remove the danger of the epidemic;

by quarantine measures or measures incidental to quarantine; or

(b) revoke any authorisation so given.

(3) If an authorisation is given under subsection (1) or (2) to the holder of a specified office or position, the authorisation is to be taken to be an authorisation of any person from time to time holding, occupying, or performing the duties of, that office or position.

(4) An authorisation given to a person under subsection (1) or (2) may be expressed to be subject to such conditions or other limitations (if any) as are specified in the authorisation.

(5) If a person ceases to be the executive head of a national response agency, any authorisation of other persons in force under subsection (2) immediately before the cessation:

(a) is taken, on and after that cessation, to have been given by the person’s successor and, subject to paragraph (b), continues to have effect according to its tenor; and

(b) may, by writing, be varied or revoked by that successor.

(6) An authorisation given to a person under subsection (1) or (2) does not affect any power that the person may be authorised to exercise apart from this section.

(7) An authorisation given under subsection (1) or (2) in respect of a particular epidemic or danger of an epidemic is taken to be revoked when the proclamation issued under subsection 2B(1) in respect of that epidemic or danger of an epidemic is revoked.

(8) A direction may be given, or an action taken, by a person under this section despite the provisions of any other Commonwealth law, or of any law of a State or Territory.

(9) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under this section; and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

(10) In paragraph (9)(a), strict liability applies to the physical element of circumstance, that the giving of the direction was under this section.

Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code.

(11) For the avoidance of doubt, a person (including the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine, a Chief Quarantine Officer (Animals), a Chief Quarantine Officer (Plants) or a quarantine officer) is not to be taken, when acting under this Act by virtue of:

(a) an authorisation given by the Minister under subsection 3(1); or

(b) an authorisation given by the executive head of a national response agency under subsection 3(2);

to be acting as, exercising the powers of, or performing the functions of, a quarantine officer.

(12) In this section, a reference to a person performing duties in an agency includes, but is not limited to:

(a) a person performing duties in the agency under a contract; and

(b) a person performing duties in the agency as a result of an arrangement for the temporary provision to that agency of the services of persons ordinarily performing other duties in the same or in another jurisdiction; and

Note: Under section 149.1 of the Criminal Code, it is an offence to obstruct a person who is taking any action that the person is authorised to take under this section.

4 Scope of quarantine

(1) In this Act, quarantine includes, but is not limited to, measures:

(a) for, or in relation to:

(i) the examination, exclusion, detention, observation, segregation, isolation, protection, treatment and regulation of vessels, installations, human beings, animals, plants or other goods or things; or

(ii) the seizure and destruction of animals, plants, or other goods or things; or

(iii) the destruction of premises comprising buildings or other structures when treatment of these premises is not practicable; and

(b) having as their object the prevention or control of the introduction, establishment or spread of diseases or pests that will or could cause significant damage to human beings, animals, plants, other aspects of the environment or economic activities.

(2) Without otherwise limiting the nature of any quarantine measure, or measure incidental to quarantine:

(a) by way of a direction that a person may be authorised to give; or

(b) by way of an action that a person may be authorised to take;

either as a result of a Ministerial authorisation under subsection 3(1) or as a result of an authorisation by the executive head of a national response agency under subsection 3(2), that direction or action must be no more than is reasonably appropriate and adapted:

(d) to the removal of the danger of the epidemic;

in respect of which the authorisation was given.

5 Interpretation

(1) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:

Adjacent area means an adjacent area in respect of a State, of the Northern Territory, of the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands, of the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands or of the Territory of Christmas Island, as determined in accordance with section 5 of the Sea Installations Act.

aircraft means any machine or craft that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air or from buoyancy but does not include an air cushion vehicle.

analyst means a person appointed under section 86DA.

Animal includes a dead animal and any part of an animal.

animals, plants or goods or animals, plants or other goods includes, to avoid doubt, any goods as defined by this subsection.

Area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone means an area in respect of which a notice is in force under subsection (8).

area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone means an area adjacent to the Protected Zone that is declared by the Minister under subsection (8) to be an area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone.

Australia, when used in a geographical sense, includes the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands.

Australian installation means:

(a) an Australian resources installation; or

(b) an Australian sea installation.

Australian resources installation means an installation that is deemed to be part of Australia because of the operation of section 16AA.

Australian seabed means so much of the seabed adjacent to Australia (other than the seabed within the Joint Petroleum Development Area) as is:

(a) within the area comprising:

(i) the areas described in Schedule 1 to the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006; and

(ii) the Coral Sea area; and

(b) part of:

(i) the continental shelf of Australia;

(ii) the seabed beneath the territorial sea of Australia (including the territorial sea adjacent to any island forming part of Australia); or

(iii) the seabed beneath waters of the sea that are on the landward side of the territorial sea of Australia and are not within the limits of a State or Territory.

Australian sea installation means a sea installation that is deemed to be part of Australia because of the operation of section 16AAA.

Australian vessel means a vessel which does not voyage or ply to or from any place outside Australia.

Australian waters means:

(a) in relation to a resources installation—waters above the Australian seabed; and

(b) in relation to a sea installation—waters comprising all of the adjacent areas and the coastal area.

Authorized person means a person authorized by this Act or the regulations, or by the Minister or a quarantine officer, to do the act in relation to which the expression is used.

ballast water means water (including sediment that is or has been contained in water) used as ballast.

Brought into physical contact has the same meaning as in the Sea Installations Act.

By authority means by the authority of the Minister, or of a quarantine officer, or of an officer under this Act doing duty in the matter in relation to which the expression is used.

Chief Quarantine Officer means:

(a) where the expression is used in a context that relates only to human quarantine—a Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine);

(b) where the expression is used in a context that relates only to animals—a Chief Quarantine Officer (Animals);

(d) in any other case—a Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine), a Chief Quarantine Officer (Animals) or a Chief Quarantine Officer (Plants).

Christmas Island means the Territory of Christmas Island.

Christmas Island vessel means a vessel which does not voyage or ply to or from any place outside Christmas Island.

Coastal area has the same meaning as in the Customs Act 1901.

Cocos Islands means the Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Cocos Islands vessel means a vessel which does not voyage or ply to or from any place outside the Cocos Islands.

commander, in relation to an aircraft, means the person in charge or command of the aircraft.

Commissioner means a person appointed under section 66AY.

Commission of inquiry means the inquiry conducted, or to be conducted, by a person appointed under section 66AY.

Commonwealth, when used in a geographical sense, includes the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands.

compliance with this Act has the meaning given by subsection 5(1A).

compliance agreement has the meaning given by section 66B.

contravention of this Act has the meaning given by subsection 5(1A).

Coral Sea area has the same meaning as in section 7 of the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006.

declared place has the meaning given by section 12.

Director of Quarantine means:

(a) where the expression is used in a context that relates only to human quarantine—the Director of Human Quarantine;

(b) where the expression is used in a context that relates only to animals or plants or both—the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine; or

discharge, in relation to a vessel or installation, includes any escape, spilling, leaking, pumping, emptying or other release, however caused, from the vessel or installation.

disease includes a micro‑organism, a disease agent, an infectious agent and a parasite.

document includes a book and any record.

engage in conduct has the same meaning as in the Criminal Code.

enter:

(a) in relation to a port that is a place at which aircraft can land, includes land at; and

(b) in relation to a vessel or vehicle, includes go on board.

environment includes all aspects of the surroundings of human beings, whether natural surroundings or surroundings created by human beings themselves, and whether affecting them as individuals or in social groupings.

Environment related activity has the same meaning as in the Sea Installations Act.

evidential material means any of the following things, including such a thing in electronic form:

(a) a thing with respect to which an offence against this Act has been committed or is suspected, on reasonable grounds, to have been committed;

(b) a thing that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting will afford evidence as to the commission of an offence against this Act;

(c) a thing that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting is intended to be used for the purpose of committing an offence against this Act.

Examine includes:

(a) in relation to an animal—carry out tests on, take samples from, or carry out a veterinary procedure on, the animal;

(b) in relation to a plant—carry out tests on, take samples from, establish, cultivate, or undertake procedures for the diagnosis of a disease of, the plant; and

(d) in relation to a vessel, installation or premises—carry out tests on, or take samples from, the vessel, installation or premises.

executing officer, for a warrant, means the person named in the warrant as being responsible for executing the warrant.

exposed has the meaning given by section 5B.

first Christmas Island port of entry, in relation to a vessel, means a first port of entry in Christmas Island for that vessel.

First port of entry in relation to a vessel means a first port of entry for that vessel.

First Cocos Islands port of entry, in relation to a vessel, means a first port of entry in the Cocos Islands for that vessel.

give includes grant.

goods includes:

(a) an animal; and

(b) a plant (whether moveable or not); and

and, to avoid doubt, includes mail of any kind and ballast water.

grant includes give.

Imported, in relation to an animal, a plant or other goods, means imported into Australia, into the Cocos Islands or into Christmas Island.

industry of national significance means any primary industry the disruption of which would be a matter of national significance, whether or not the industry is involved in the export trade.

in quarantine, in relation to a vessel or installation, has a meaning affected by section 37.

Installation means:

(a) a resources installation; or

(b) a sea installation.

International Health Regulations means the International Health Regulations 2005, done at Geneva on 23 May 2005, as in force for Australia from time to time.

Note: In 2008, the text of the International Health Regulations was accessible through the Australian Treaties Library on the AustLII website (www.austlii.edu.au).

Joint Petroleum Development Area has the same meaning as in the Petroleum (Timor Sea Treaty) Act 2003.

Landing place means any place declared by proclamation to be a landing place for aircraft.

level of quarantine risk has the meaning given by section 5D.

magistrate means any magistrate, whether remunerated by salary or not.

Master means:

(a) in relation to a vessel other than an aircraft—the person (other than a ship’s pilot) in charge or command of the vessel; and

(aa) in relation to an aircraft—the commander of the aircraft; and

(b) in relation to an installation—the person (other than a ship’s pilot) in charge or command of the installation.

Medical Officer in relation to a vessel means any person on the vessel acting as the medical officer, doctor, or surgeon of the vessel.

national response agency means:

(a) the Australian Federal Police and the police force of each of the States and the Northern Territory; and

(b) if it is declared by the Minister, by notice published in the Gazette, to be a national response agency for the purposes of subsection 3(1):

(i) any arm or unit of the Australian Defence Force; or

(ii) any department, or part of a department, of the Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory; or

(iii) any other agency or authority, whether incorporated or not, that is established for a public purpose by or under a law of the Commonwealth, or of a State or Territory.

Natural resources means the mineral and other non‑living resources of the seabed and its subsoil.

occupier of premises:

(a) means the person in charge of the premises; and

(b) in Part VIA, includes the person apparently in charge of the premises.

offence against this Act includes:

(a) an offence against the regulations; and

(b) an offence against section 6 of the Crimes Act 1914 or section 11.1, 11.4 or 11.5 of the Criminal Code in relation to an offence against this Act or the regulations.

Officer means a quarantine officer or other officer appointed under this Act.

officer assisting, in relation to a warrant, means:

(a) a quarantine officer who is assisting in executing the warrant; or

(b) a person who is not a quarantine officer but has been authorised by the relevant executing officer to assist in executing the warrant.

officer of Customs has the same meaning as in the Customs Act 1901.

on, in relation to premises, includes in.

operator means:

(a) in relation to a vessel (other than an aircraft) or installation that is in the course of, or has completed, a voyage:

(i) if a person is or was responsible for the operation of the vessel or installation during the voyage under a charter party or similar agreement—that person; or

(ii) otherwise—the owner of the vessel or installation; or

(b) in relation to an aircraft that is in the course of, or has completed, a flight:

(i) if a person is or was responsible for the operation of the aircraft during the flight under an agreement entered into with the owner of the aircraft for the hire or charter of the aircraft—that person; or

(ii) otherwise—the owner of the aircraft.

overseas aircraft means an overseas vessel that is an aircraft.

Overseas installation means:

(a) an overseas resources installation; or

(b) an overseas sea installation.

Overseas resources installation means a resources installation that:

(a) is in Australian waters; and

(b) has been brought into Australian waters from a place (including a place at sea) outside the outer limits of Australian waters for the purpose of becoming attached to the Australian seabed;

but does not include an Australian resources installation.

Overseas sea installation means a sea installation that:

(a) is in an adjacent area or a coastal area;

(b) has been brought into the adjacent area or coastal area, as the case may be, from a place outside the outer limits of Australian waters;

but does not include an Australian sea installation.

overseas vessel means a vessel other than:

(a) an Australian vessel; or

(b) a Cocos Islands vessel; or

and includes a vessel:

(d) that is on a voyage from Australia to the Cocos Islands or from the Cocos Islands to Australia; or

(e) that is on a voyage from Australia to Christmas Island or from Christmas Island to Australia; or

(f) that is on a voyage from the Cocos Islands to Christmas Island or from Christmas Island to the Cocos Islands.

Package includes every means by which plants are cased, covered, enclosed, contained, or packed for carriage.

permanent residence has the meaning given by subsection 64B(3).

pest includes any animal, or any plant, that is a pest.

Plant includes a dead plant and any part of a plant.

police officer means:

(a) a member or special member of the Australian Federal Police; or

(b) a member of the police force or police service of a State or Territory.

port includes:

(a) in relation to aircraft—any place at which an aircraft can land, whether a landing place or not; and

(b) in relation to a vessel in respect of which a permission is in force under subsection 20AA(1)—the place to which the vessel may be brought under the permission.

Port of departure in relation to a vessel means the port at which the vessel commenced its current voyage.

PPSA security interest means a security interest within the meaning of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 and to which that Act applies, other than a transitional security interest within the meaning of that Act.

Note 1: The Personal Property Securities Act 2009 applies to certain security interests in personal property. See the following provisions of that Act:

(a) section 8 (interests to which the Act does not apply);

(b) section 12 (meaning of security interest);

Note 2: For the meaning of transitional security interest, see section 308 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009.

Pratique means:

(a) in relation to a vessel, other than an overseas aircraft to which subsection 32B(1) applies—pratique granted by a quarantine officer since the last arrival of the vessel from:

(i) in the case of a vessel in, or about to arrive in, Australia—places outside Australia; or

(ii) in the case of a vessel in, or about to arrive in, the Cocos Islands—places outside the Cocos Islands; or

(iii) in the case of a vessel in, or about to arrive in, Christmas Island—places outside Christmas Island;

and having effect at the port where the vessel is for the time being or is about to arrive; and

(aa) in relation to an overseas aircraft to which subsection 32B(1) applies—pratique taken to have been granted under subsection 32B(1) since the last arrival of the aircraft from:

(i) in the case of an aircraft in Australia—places outside Australia; or

(ii) in the case of an aircraft in the Cocos Islands—places outside the Cocos Islands; or

(iii) in the case of an aircraft in Christmas Island—places outside Christmas Island;

and having effect at the port where the aircraft is for the time being; and

(b) in relation to an overseas installation—pratique granted by a quarantine officer since the last arrival of the installation from a place (including a place at sea) outside the outer limits of Australian waters and having effect in the place (including a place at sea) where the installation is for the time being or is about to be taken.

premises includes any place (whether enclosed or built on, or not) and, in particular, includes:

(a) a building, wharf or other structure; and

(b) a vessel; and

(d) a vehicle; and

(e) a part of premises (including a part of any of the above).

prescribed health measure has the meaning given by section 64A.

Protected Zone means the zone established under Article 10 of the Torres Strait Treaty, being the area bounded by the line described in Annex 9 to that treaty.

Protected Zone vessel means a vessel of a kind used in navigation by sea that is owned or operated by a traditional inhabitant.

protective service officer means a protective service officer within the meaning of the Australian Federal Police Act 1979.

Quarantinable disease means any disease declared by the Governor‑General, by proclamation, to be a quarantinable disease.

quarantinable pest means any pest declared by the Governor‑General, by Proclamation, to be a quarantinable pest.

Quarantine area means any part of Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island which, in pursuance of this Act, is declared to be a quarantine area.

quarantine officer means a person appointed under subsection 9(2), 9AA(3) or 9A(1) and, to the extent that the Director of Quarantine has determined under section 66AZC that a person (or a person included in a specified class of persons) has functions and/or powers of a quarantine officer under this Act, includes such a person.

Resources installation means:

(a) a resources industry fixed structure within the meaning of subsection (3); or

(b) a resources industry mobile unit within the meaning of subsection (4).

Royal Commission has the meaning given by the Royal Commissions Act 1902.

Sea installation has the same meaning as in the Sea Installations Act.

Sea Installations Act means the Sea Installations Act 1987.

Secretary means the Secretary of the Department.

Special Quarantine Zone means:

(a) in respect of Australia—an area declared by the Minister under section 5A to be a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of Australia; and

(b) in respect of Christmas Island—an area declared by the Minister under section 5A to be a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of Christmas Island; and

(c) in respect of the Cocos Islands—an area declared by the Minister under section 5A to be a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of the Cocos Islands.

State officer means:

(a) an employee of a State or Territory, or an employee of an authority of a State or Territory (including a member of the police force or police service of a State or Territory); or

(b) a State or Territory office holder;

who is covered by an arrangement made under:

(d) section 71 of the Public Service Act 1999 in respect of quarantine officer powers and functions.

temporary residence has the meaning given by subsection 64B(3).

thing includes any goods.

Torres Strait Treaty means the Treaty between Australia and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea that was signed at Sydney on 18 December 1978.

Traditional activities has the same meaning as in the Torres Strait Treaty.

Traditional inhabitants has the same meaning as in the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984.

traveller has the meaning given by section 64B.

treatment means any process for controlling or eliminating a disease or pest and:

(a) in relation to a vessel, installation or premises, includes examination, spraying, fumigation, disinfection, denaturing and cleaning; and

(b) in relation to a person, includes examination, spraying, fumigation, disinfection and cleaning; and

(c) in relation to an animal, includes examination, disinfection, denaturing, vaccination, testing and veterinary treatment; and

(d) in relation to a plant or other goods, includes examination, spraying, fumigation, disinfection, denaturing, sorting, cleaning and repacking.

Unauthorized person means a person not authorized by this Act or the Regulations, or by the Minister or a quarantine officer, to do the act in relation to which the expression is used.

under this Act has the meaning given by subsection 5(1A).

vector means anything capable of carrying or transmitting pests, diseases or infections.

vessel means:

(a) a ship, boat or other description of vessel used in navigation by sea; or

(b) an aircraft; or

(d) an off‑shore industry mobile unit (being an overseas installation) that is bound for, or is at, a port;

and includes a part of any of the above.

voyage, in relation to a vessel that is an aircraft, means flight.

(1AA) Before declaring any arm or unit of the Australian Defence Force to be a national response agency for the purposes of subsection 3(1), the Minister must consult with the Minister having responsibility for the Defence Force.

(1AB) Before declaring any department or part of a department of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, or any other agency or authority established by or under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, to be a national response agency for the purposes of subsection 3(1), the Minister must consult with the Minister of the Commonwealth, that State or that Territory having responsibility for the department, agency or other authority concerned.

(1A) In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears, references to under this Act, contravention of this Act and compliance with this Act are taken to be references to under, contravention of, or compliance with, as the case may be:

(a) this Act, the regulations, a Proclamation under this Act or a term of a compliance agreement; or

(b) an order, determination or declaration made, or an approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit given, under this Act, the regulations, such a Proclamation or a term of such an agreement; or

(2) Where 2 or more persons are, or behave as if they are, in charge of a vessel or installation, each of those persons shall, for the purposes of this Act, be taken to be in charge, and to be the master, of the vessel or installation, but, where a notice or other document is required by this Act to be served on the master of the vessel or installation, it is sufficient compliance with that requirement if the document is served on one of those persons.

(3) A reference in this Act to a resources industry fixed structure shall be read as a reference to a structure (including a pipeline) that:

(a) is not able to move or be moved as an entity from one place to another; and

(b) is used or is to be used off‑shore in or in any operations or activities associated with, or incidental to, exploring or exploiting natural resources.

(4) A reference in this Act to a resources industry mobile unit shall be read as a reference to:

(a) a vessel that is used or is to be used wholly or principally in:

(i) exploring or exploiting natural resources by drilling the seabed or its subsoil with equipment on or forming part of the vessel or by obtaining substantial quantities of material from the seabed or its subsoil with equipment of that kind; or

(ii) operations or activities associated with, or incidental to, activities of the kind referred to in subparagraph (i); or

(b) a structure (not being a vessel) that:

(i) is able to float or be floated;

(ii) is able to move or be moved as an entity from one place to another; and

(iii) is used or is to be used off‑shore wholly or principally in:

(A) exploring or exploiting natural resources by drilling the seabed or its subsoil with equipment on or forming part of the structure or by obtaining substantial quantities of material from the seabed or its subsoil with equipment of that kind; or

(B) operations or activities associated with, or incidental to, activities of the kind referred to in sub-subparagraph (A).

(5) A vessel of a kind referred to in paragraph (4)(a) or a structure of a kind referred to in paragraph (4)(b) shall not be taken not to be a resources industry mobile unit by reason only that the vessel or structure is also used or to be used in, or in any operations or activities associated with, or incidental to, exploring or exploiting resources other than natural resources.

(6) The reference in subparagraph (4)(a)(ii) to a vessel that is used or is to be used wholly or principally in operations or activities associated with, or incidental to, activities of the kind referred to in subparagraph (4)(a)(i) shall be read as not including a reference to a vessel that is used or is to be used wholly or principally in:

(a) transporting persons or goods to or from a resources installation; or

(b) manoeuvring a resources installation, or in operations relating to the attachment of a resources installation to the Australian seabed.

(7) A resources installation shall be taken to be attached to the Australian seabed if:

(a) the installation:

(i) is in physical contact with, or is brought into physical contact with, a part of the Australian seabed; and

(ii) is used or is to be used, at that part of the Australian seabed, wholly or principally in or in any operations or activities associated with, or incidental to, exploring or exploiting natural resources; or

(b) the installation:

(i) is in physical contact with, or is brought into physical contact with, another resources installation that is taken to be attached to the Australian seabed by virtue of the operation of paragraph (a); and

(ii) is used or is to be used, at the place where it is brought into physical contact with the other installation, wholly or principally in or in any operations or activities associated with, or incidental to, exploring or exploiting natural resources.

(7A) Subject to subsection (7C), for the purposes of this Act, a sea installation shall be taken to be installed in an adjacent area if:

(a) the installation is in, or is brought into, physical contact with a part of the seabed in the adjacent area; or

(b) the installation is in, or is brought into, physical contact with another sea installation that is to be taken to be installed in the adjacent area because of paragraph (a).

(7B) For the purposes of this Act, a sea installation shall be taken to be installed in an adjacent area at a particular time if the whole or part of the installation:

(a) is in that adjacent area at that time; and

(b) has been in a particular locality:

(i) that is circular and has a radius of 20 nautical miles; and

(ii) the whole or part of which is in that adjacent area;

for:

(iii) a continuous period, of at least 30 days, that immediately precedes that time; or

(iv) one or more periods, during the 60 days that immediately precede that time, that in sum amount to at least 40 days.

(7C) Where a sea installation, being a ship or an aircraft:

(a) is brought into physical contact with a part of the seabed in an adjacent area; or

(b) is in, or is brought into, physical contact with another sea installation that is to be taken to be installed in an adjacent area;

for less than:

(d) in any other case—5 days;

it shall not be taken to be installed in that adjacent area under subsection (7A).

(7D) A sea installation shall not be taken to be installed in an adjacent area for the purposes of this Act unless it is to be taken to be so installed under this section.

(7E) Subject to subsection (7G), for the purposes of this Act, a sea installation shall be taken to be installed in a coastal area if:

(a) the installation is in, or is brought into, physical contact with a part of the seabed in the coastal area; or

(b) the installation is in, or is brought into, physical contact with another sea installation that is to be taken to be installed in the coastal area because of paragraph (a).

(7F) For the purposes of this Act, a sea installation (other than an installation installed in an adjacent area) shall be taken to be installed in a coastal area at a particular time if the whole or part of the installation:

(a) is in that coastal area at that time; and

(b) has been in a particular locality:

(i) that is circular and has a radius of 20 nautical miles; and

(ii) the whole or part of which is in that coastal area;

for:

(iii) a continuous period, of at least 30 days, that immediately precedes that time; or

(iv) one or more periods, during the 60 days that immediately precede that time, that in sum amount to at least 40 days.

(7G) Where a sea installation, being a ship or an aircraft:

(a) is brought into physical contact with a part of the seabed in a coastal area; or

(b) is in or is brought into, physical contact with another sea installation that is to be taken to be installed in a coastal area;

for less than:

(d) in any other case—5 days;

it shall not be taken to be installed in that adjacent area under subsection (7E).

(7H) A sea installation shall not be taken to be installed in a coastal area for the purposes of this Act unless it is to be taken to be so installed under this section.

(8) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare an area adjacent to the Protected Zone to be an area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone for the purposes of this Act.

(9) A vessel that enters a part of Australia that is in the Protected Zone or in an area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone shall not be taken to be a Protected Zone vessel if the vessel had, at any time during the period of 3 months ending on the day on which the vessel so entered Australia, voyaged to or from a place (other than a place in Australia) that is outside:

(a) the Protected Zone; and

(b) any area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone.

5AA References to quarantine officer

(1) A reference to a quarantine officer in a context that relates only to human quarantine is a reference to a quarantine officer (human quarantine).

(2) A reference to a quarantine officer in a context that relates only to animals is a reference to a quarantine officer (animals).

(3) A reference to a quarantine officer in a context that relates only to plants is a reference to a quarantine officer (plants).

(4) A reference to a quarantine officer in any other case is a reference to a quarantine officer (human quarantine), a quarantine officer (animals) or a quarantine officer (plants).

5A Special Quarantine Zones

The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare an area described in the notice:

(a) to be a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of Australia; or

(b) to be a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of the Cocos Islands; or

for the purposes of this Act.

5B When person or thing is taken to have been exposed to another person or thing

(1) For the purposes of this Act, a person or thing is taken to have been exposed to another person or to a thing if the first‑mentioned person or thing has been, or is likely to have been:

(a) in physical contact with; or

(b) in close proximity to; or

the other person or thing or a person or thing to which the other person or thing is taken by this subsection to have been exposed.

(2) In this section:

thing includes any vessel, installation, premises, vehicle or goods.

5C Power or requirement to do or cause a thing to be done

(1) To avoid doubt:

(a) subject to subsection (2), a person (the first person) who has power, or is required, under this Act to do a thing has power to cause another person to do the thing on behalf of the first person or can comply with the requirement by causing another person to do the thing on behalf of the first person, as the case may be; and

(b) a person who has power, or is required, under this Act to cause or direct a thing to be done has power to do the thing himself or herself or can comply with the requirement by doing the thing himself or herself, as the case may be.

(2) The reference in paragraph (1)(a) to a power or requirement to do a thing does not include a reference to a power or requirement to give a direction.

5D Level of quarantine risk

A reference in this Act to a level of quarantine risk is a reference to:

(a) the probability of:

(i) a disease or pest being introduced, established or spread in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; and

(ii) the disease or pest causing harm to human beings, animals, plants, other aspects of the environment, or economic activities; and

(b) the probable extent of the harm.

5E References to aircraft and commander of an aircraft

The express references in this Act to aircraft and the commander of an aircraft do not imply that references in this Act to vessels and the master of a vessel do not also include references to aircraft and the commander of an aircraft, respectively.

6 Extension of Act to Cocos Islands and Christmas Island

(1) This Act extends to the Cocos Islands and to Christmas Island.

(2) Any references in provisions of this Act to the Cocos Islands do not imply that references to Australia or to the Commonwealth in other provisions of this Act do not also include references to the Cocos Islands.

(3) Any references in provisions of this Act to Christmas Island do not imply that references to Australia or to the Commonwealth in other provisions of this Act do not also include references to Christmas Island.

Note: Under section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, in any Act Australia and Commonwealth include the Cocos Islands and Christmas Island unless the contrary intention appears.

6AB Extension of Act to Ashmore and Cartier Islands

This Act extends to the Territory of Ashmore and Cartier Islands.

6A Special provision regarding resources installations in the Joint Petroleum Development Area

The regulations may provide that this Act, or a specified provision of this Act, has effect in relation to:

(a) all resources installations attached to the seabed in the Joint Petroleum Development Area; or

(b) a specified resources installation attached to the seabed in the Joint Petroleum Development Area;

and so has effect:

(d) subject to such modifications as are specified in the regulations.

6B Power to make, vary, suspend or revoke various instruments etc.

(1) If:

(a) a provision of this Act refers to a Proclamation, order, determination or declaration made, an approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit given, or any other act done, by the Governor‑General, the Minister or the Secretary or by a Director of Quarantine, Chief Quarantine Officer, quarantine officer or another person; and

(b) there is no other provision of this Act expressly conferring power on the Governor‑General, Minister, Secretary, Director of Quarantine, Chief Quarantine Officer, quarantine officer or other person to make such a Proclamation, order, determination or declaration, give such an approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit or do such an act;

the Governor‑General, Minister, Secretary, Director of Quarantine, Chief Quarantine Officer, quarantine officer or other person has power by this subsection to make such a Proclamation, order, determination or declaration, give such an approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit or do such an act, as the case requires.

(2) If the Governor‑General, the Minister or the Secretary or a Director of Quarantine, Chief Quarantine Officer, quarantine officer or other person has power under a provision of this Act (including power under subsection (1)) to make a Proclamation, order, determination or declaration, give an approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit or do any other act, the power may, unless the contrary intention appears, be exercised subject to conditions, restrictions or requirements.

(3) Unless the contrary intention appears, any power conferred by this Act, by a Proclamation under this Act, by the regulations or by a compliance agreement, to make a Proclamation, order, determination or declaration or give an approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit includes:

(a) the power to suspend (for a period of not more than one year or until the happening of an event occurring within such a period) a Proclamation, order, determination or declaration so made or an approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit so given and to revoke such a suspension; and

(b) the power to vary or revoke a Proclamation, order, determination or declaration so made or an approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit so given (including the power to vary or revoke at a time when the relevant instrument is suspended under paragraph (a)).

(4) However, if a provision conferring a power to make a Proclamation, order, determination or declaration, or give an approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit, allows a suspension, variation or revocation only in particular circumstances, on particular grounds, subject to particular conditions or after taking particular matters into account, subsection (3) only permits a suspension, variation or revocation under the power in those circumstances, on those grounds, subject to those conditions or after taking those matters into account.

6C Provisions relating to conditions, restrictions or requirements

If a provision of this Act, the regulations or a Proclamation under this Act allows, or authorises a person to allow, the importation of any thing, or provides for the making of a Proclamation, order, determination or declaration, the giving of an approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit, or the doing of any other act, subject to a condition, restriction or requirement, then, unless the contrary intention appears:

(a) the provision extends to the imposition of such a condition, restriction or requirement either before or after the importation of the thing, or at or after the time of the making of the Proclamation, order, determination or declaration, the giving of the approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit or the doing of the other act, as the case may be; and

(b) any reference in the provision to compliance with such a condition, restriction or requirement is a reference to compliance either before or after the importation of the thing, or at or after the time of the making of the Proclamation, order, determination or declaration, the giving of the approval, direction, authorisation, permission or permit or the doing of the other act, as the case may be.

7 No appropriation

Nothing in this Act shall be taken to be an appropriation of any public moneys.

Part II—Administration

8A Officers responsible for human quarantine

(1) There shall be a Director of Human Quarantine, who shall, under the Minister, be charged with the execution of this Act, and any regulations and proclamations in force under this Act, in relation to human quarantine.

(2) The Minister may, by writing, determine that there are to be one or more Chief Quarantine Officers (Human Quarantine).

(3) Each Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine) is to perform his or her functions and exercise his or her powers under, and subject to the directions of, the Director of Human Quarantine.

(4) The Director of Human Quarantine has all the functions and powers of a Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine) or of a quarantine officer (human quarantine) under this Act and the regulations and proclamations referred to in subsection (1).

(5) A Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine) has all the functions and powers of a quarantine officer (human quarantine) under this Act and the regulations and proclamations referred to in subsection (1).

(6) Each quarantine officer (human quarantine) is to perform functions and may exercise powers under, and subject to the directions of, a Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine) or the Director of Human Quarantine.

8B Officers responsible for animal and plant quarantine

(1) There shall be a Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine, who shall, under the Minister, be charged with the execution of this Act, and any regulations and proclamations in force under this Act, in relation to animal and plant quarantine.

(2) The Minister may, by writing, determine that there are to be Chief Quarantine Officers (Animals) or Chief Quarantine Officers (Plants) for a division or divisions of animal quarantine or plant quarantine, as the case may be, specified in the determination.

(3) Any Chief Quarantine Officers (Animals) and Chief Quarantine Officers (Plants) shall perform their functions and exercise their powers under, and subject to the directions of, the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine.

(4) The Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine has all the functions and powers of a Chief Quarantine Officer (Animals), of a Chief Quarantine Officer (Plants), of a quarantine officer (animals) and of a quarantine officer (plants) under this Act and the regulations and proclamations referred to in subsection (1).

(5) A Chief Quarantine Officer (Animals) has all the functions and powers of a quarantine officer (animals) under this Act and the regulations and proclamations referred to in subsection (1) and a Chief Quarantine Officer (Plants) has all the functions and powers of a quarantine officer (plants) under this Act and the regulations and proclamations referred to in subsection (1).

(6) Each quarantine officer (animals) or quarantine officer (plants) is to perform functions and may exercise powers, for a division of quarantine for which he or she is appointed, under, and subject to the directions of:

(a) the Chief Quarantine Officer for the division; or

(b) if there is no such Chief Quarantine Officer—the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine.

(7) For the purposes of this section, any branch or subject in relation to animals or plants and a territorial division or locality shall be a division of quarantine.

9 Appointment of officers responsible for human quarantine

(1) The Director of Human Quarantine and any Chief Quarantine Officers (Human Quarantine) shall be appointed by the Minister by writing.

(2) The Director of Human Quarantine may, by writing, appoint to be a quarantine officer (human quarantine):

(a) an APS employee; or

(b) a State officer; or

(d) a protective service officer; or

(e) an employee of a body corporate established or continued in existence for a public purpose by or under a Commonwealth law, if the body corporate is prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph.

(4) A State officer may be appointed to be a Chief Quarantine Officer under this section.

9AA Appointment of officers responsible for animal and plant quarantine

(1) The person for the time being holding, or performing the duties of, the office of Secretary of the Department that deals with animal and plant quarantine shall be the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine.

(2) The Minister may, by writing, appoint Chief Quarantine Officers (Animals) or Chief Quarantine Officers (Plants).

(3) The Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine may, by writing, appoint:

(a) an APS employee; or

(b) a State officer; or

(ca) a protective service officer; or

(cb) an employee of a body corporate established or continued in existence for a public purpose by or under a Commonwealth law, if the body corporate is prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph;

to be either or both of the following:

(d) a quarantine officer (animals);

(e) a quarantine officer (plants).

(4) A person appointed under subsection (3) must be appointed to a division or divisions of animal quarantine, plant quarantine or both, as the case may be, specified in the instrument of appointment.

(5) A State officer may be appointed to be a Chief Quarantine Officer under this section.

9A Temporary quarantine officers

(1) A Director of Quarantine may, by writing signed by him or her, appoint:

(a) an APS employee; or

(b) a State officer; or

(d) a protective service officer; or

(e) an employee of a body corporate established or continued in existence for a public purpose by or under a Commonwealth law, if the body corporate is prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph;

to be a temporary quarantine officer for such period as he or she thinks necessary.

(1A) Where the Governor‑General has, in pursuance of section 2B, declared the existence of an epidemic or the danger of an epidemic in any part of the Commonwealth, any person thereto authorized in writing by a Director of Quarantine may, either orally or in writing, authorize any person to act during any specified period as a temporary quarantine officer in that part of the Commonwealth.

(1B) A person appointed as a temporary quarantine officer under subsection (1) or authorised to act as a temporary quarantine officer under subsection (1A) is, in the performance of his or her functions and in the exercise of his or her powers, subject to the directions of a Chief Quarantine Officer or the relevant Director of Quarantine.

(2) Temporary quarantine officers shall, for the period of their appointment or authority to act, have all the powers of a quarantine officer appointed under section 9.

(3) Any appointment made or authority given in pursuance of this section shall not confer on the person appointed or authorized any claim to be permanently appointed in any capacity.

10 Delegation by Minister

The Minister may, by signed writing, delegate to the Secretary, a Director of Quarantine or an officer all or any of his or her powers under this Act.

10A Delegation by Secretary

The Secretary may, by signed writing, delegate to a Director of Quarantine or an officer all or any of his or her powers under this Act.

10B Delegation by Director of Quarantine

A Director of Quarantine may, by signed writing, delegate to an officer all or any of his or her powers under this Act.

11 Arrangements with State and Territory Governments to aid in carrying out this Act

(1) The Governor‑General may enter into an arrangement with the Governor of any State or the Administrator of the Northern Territory with respect to all or any of the following matters:

(a) the use of any State or Territory quarantine station or other place in the State or Territory as a quarantine station under this Act, and the control and management of any such quarantine station;

(aa) the exercise of functions and powers by State officers who are appointed as quarantine officers or Chief Quarantine Officers;

(b) any matters necessary or convenient to be arranged in order to enable the Commonwealth quarantine authorities and the State or Territory health or other authorities to act in aid of each other in preventing the introduction, establishment or spread of diseases or pests;

(c) if the Commonwealth is a party to any international agreement requiring the certification of export products—any matters necessary or convenient to be arranged to assist authorities of that State or Territory in the implementation and monitoring, in that State or Territory, of arrangements to enable that certification, and in providing reports to the Commonwealth concerning such arrangements.

(2) The Prime Minister may enter into an arrangement with the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory with respect to all or any of the following matters:

(a) the use of any Australian Capital Territory quarantine station or other place in the Australian Capital Territory as a quarantine station under this Act, and the control and management of any such quarantine station;

(b) any matters necessary or convenient to be arranged in order to enable the Commonwealth quarantine authorities and the Australian Capital Territory health or other authorities to act in aid of each other in preventing the introduction, establishment or spread of diseases or pests;

(c) if the Commonwealth is a party to any international agreement requiring the certification of export products—any matters necessary or convenient to be arranged to assist authorities of the Australian Capital Territory in the implementation and monitoring, in the Australian Capital Territory, of arrangements to enable that certification, and in providing reports to the Commonwealth concerning such arrangements.

Note: Section 71 of the Public Service Act 1999 also provides for the making of arrangements with a State or Territory for State or Territory officers to perform Commonwealth functions.

Part IIA—Proposed decisions affecting the environment

11A Definitions

In this Part:

Environment Minister means the Minister administering the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

11B Decisions under this Act not to be regarded as actions for the purposes of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

To avoid doubt, a decision to do, or not to do, anything under this Act is taken to be a decision to grant a governmental authorisation for the purposes of subsection 524(2) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

11C Requirement to seek from Environment Minister advice about proposed decision involving significant risk of environmental harm

(1) Before making a decision under this Act, the implementation of which is likely to result in a significant risk of harm to the environment, a Director of Quarantine must comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) The Director of Quarantine must give written notice to the Environment Minister:

(a) stating that consideration is to be given to the making of such a decision; and

(b) requesting the Environment Minister to give advice to the Director as to the adequacy of the risk assessment process that is proposed to be followed in assessing the risk of harm to the environment.

(3) After preliminary findings have been made as a result of the risk assessment process, the Director of Quarantine must give written notice to the Environment Minister requesting the Environment Minister to give advice to the Director as to the adequacy of the preliminary findings in relation to the protection of the environment.

11D Provision of advice by Environment Minister

(1) If a Director of Quarantine gives to the Environment Minister a notice in accordance with section 11C requesting advice as to a matter, the Environment Minister may give written advice to the Director about that matter.

(2) Any such advice is to be given within 28 days after the notice was given.

11E Director of Quarantine to take advice into account

If the Director of Quarantine receives any advice from the Environment Minister within 28 days after the notice requesting the advice was given to the Environment Minister in accordance with section 11C, the Director must:

(a) ensure that the advice is taken into account in making the relevant decision; and

(b) inform the Environment Minister in writing as to how the advice was taken into account.

Part III—General provisions

12 Declared places

(1) The Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, declare that a place beyond or in Australia is infected with a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest, or that a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest may be brought or carried from or through that place.

(2) For the purposes of this Act, a place is a declared place while the declaration remains in force.

12A Minister may take quarantine measures in an emergency

(1) If, in the opinion of the Minister, an emergency has arisen that requires the taking of action not otherwise authorised under this Act, the Minister may take such quarantine measures, or measures incidental to quarantine, and give such directions, as he or she thinks necessary or desirable for the diagnosis, for the prevention or control of the introduction, establishment or spread, for the eradication, or for the treatment, of any disease or pest.

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under subsection (1); and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

12B Laboratories etc.

The Minister may establish and use laboratories and facilities for the diagnosis of disease for purposes of, or incidental to, quarantine and may:

(a) lease, rent, purchase or erect premises; or

(b) enter into an agreement with any State or with any hospital authority for the use of buildings;

for the purpose of any such diagnosis.

13 Proclamation of ports of entry etc.

(1) The Governor‑General may, by proclamation:

(a) declare any ports in Australia to be first ports of entry for overseas vessels; or

(aaa) declare any ports in the Cocos Islands to be first Cocos Islands ports of entry for overseas vessels; or

(aab) declare any ports in Christmas Island to be first Christmas Island ports of entry for overseas vessels; or

(aa) declare any place or area in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island to be a landing place for aircraft; or

(b) declare any ports in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island to be ports where imported animals, plants or other goods, or imported animals, plants or other goods of a particular kind or description or having a particular use, may be landed; or

(c) appoint places on land or sea to be quarantine stations for the performance of quarantine by vessels, persons, goods, animals, or plants; or

(ca) declare a disease or pest to be a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest, as the case may be; or

(d) prohibit the introduction or importation into Australia, into the Cocos Islands, or into Christmas Island, of any disease or pest or any substance, article or thing containing, or likely to contain, any disease or pest; or

(e) prohibit the importation into Australia, into the Cocos Islands, or into Christmas Island, of any articles or things likely, in his or her opinion, to introduce, establish or spread any disease or pest; or

(f) prohibit the importation into Australia, into the Cocos Islands, or into Christmas Island, of any animals, plants or other goods, or any parts of animals or plants; or

(fa) prohibit the bringing into any port or other place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or into Christmas Island of any animals, plants or other goods, or any parts of animals of plants; or

(g) prohibit the removal of any animals, plants or other goods, or any parts of animals or plants:

(i) from any part of the Commonwealth to any other part of the Commonwealth; or

(ii) from any part of the Cocos Islands to any other part of the Cocos Islands; or

(iii) from any part of Christmas Island to any other part of Christmas Island; or

(ga) prohibit the removal of any animals, plants or other goods, or any parts of animals or plants:

(i) from Australia or a part of Australia to the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands; or

(ii) from the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands to Australia or a part of Australia; or

(gb) prohibit the removal of any animals, plants or other goods or any parts of animals or plants:

(i) from Australia or a part of Australia to Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island; or

(ii) from Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island to Australia or a part of Australia; or

(gc) prohibit the removal of any animals, plants or other goods, or parts of animals or plants:

(i) from the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands to Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island; or

(ii) from Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island to the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands; or

(h) declare any part of the Commonwealth, of the Cocos Islands, or of Christmas Island in which any disease or pest exists, or is suspected to exist, to be a quarantine area; or

(i) declare that any vessel, people, animals, plants or other goods in any quarantine area, or in any part of the Commonwealth, of the Cocos Islands or of Christmas Island in which a disease or pest exists, or is suspected to exist, are to be subject to quarantine.

(1A) The power to declare first ports of entry shall extend to authorize the declaration of a port to be a first port of entry for all overseas vessels, or for overseas vessels from any particular place, or for any class of overseas vessels.

(1B) The power to declare first Cocos Islands ports of entry shall extend to authorize the declaration of a port to be a first Cocos Islands port of entry for all overseas vessels, or for overseas vessels from any particular place, or for any class of overseas vessels.

(1C) The power to declare first Christmas Island ports of entry extends to authorize the declaration of a port to be a first Christmas Island port of entry for all overseas vessels, or for overseas vessels from any particular place, or for any class of overseas vessels.

(2) The power of prohibition under this section shall extend to authorize prohibition generally or as otherwise provided by the instrument authorising the prohibition, including prohibition either absolutely or subject to any specified conditions or restrictions.

(2A) A Proclamation under subsection (1):

(a) prohibiting the introduction into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island of any thing; or

(b) prohibiting the importation into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island of any thing; or

(c) prohibiting the bringing into a port or other place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island of any thing; or

(d) prohibiting the removal of any thing:

(i) from a part of Australia to another part of Australia; or

(ii) from a part of the Cocos Islands to another part of the Cocos Islands; or

(iii) from Australia or a part of Australia to the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands or from the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands to Australia or a part of Australia; or

(iv) from a part of Christmas Island to another part of Christmas Island; or

(v) from Australia or a part of Australia to Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island or from Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island to Australia or a part of Australia; or

(vi) from Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island to the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands or from the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands to Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island;

may provide that the introduction, importation, bringing or removal of the thing is prohibited unless a permit to introduce, import, bring or remove the thing is granted by a Director of Quarantine.

(2AA) A Director of Quarantine may, for the purposes of subsection (2A), grant a permit that relates to a specified act, or a specified class of acts, in relation to a specified thing or a specified class of things.

(2B) A permit granted pursuant to a proclamation made in accordance with subsection (2A) may be granted subject to compliance with conditions or requirements, either before or after the introduction, importation, bringing or removal of the thing to which the permit relates, by the holder of the permit, being conditions or requirements set out in the permit.

(2C) If, after the grant of a permit under a Proclamation made in accordance with subsection (2A), a Director of Quarantine is satisfied:

(a) that the level of quarantine risk in respect of the introduction, importation, bringing or removal of the thing or class of things to which the permit relates has altered; or

(b) that the person to whom the permit was granted has breached a condition of the permit;

that Director of Quarantine may, by notice in writing given to the person to whom the permit was issued, revoke the permit.

(3) The powers conferred on the Governor‑General by this section, in relation to the matters specified in paragraphs (1)(g), (ga), (gb), (gc), (h) and (i), so far as they relate to vessels, people, animals, plants or other goods, or any disease or pest, are exercisable in relation to the Commonwealth, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island only if the Governor‑General is satisfied that the exercise of the powers is necessary for the purpose of preventing the introduction, establishment or spread of a disease or pest.

(4) Where there is in force a Proclamation (in this subsection referred to as the relevant Proclamation) under subsection (1) (whether made before or after the commencement of this subsection) prohibiting the importation into Australia of any animals, plants or other goods, the Governor‑General may, by Proclamation (in this subsection referred to as the exempting Proclamation), either generally or subject to such conditions or restrictions as are specified in the exempting Proclamation, exempt from the operation of the relevant Proclamation animals, plants or other goods of a kind specified in the exempting Proclamation, being animals, plants or other goods that:

(a) are brought into a part of Australia that is in the Protected Zone or in an area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone on board a Protected Zone vessel; and

(b) are owned by, or are under the control of, a traditional inhabitant who is on board that vessel and have been used, are being used or are intended to be used by him or her in connection with the performance of traditional activities in the Protected Zone or in an area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone.

(5) A Proclamation made under subsection (1) may, either generally or subject to such conditions or restrictions as are specified in the Proclamation, exempt from the operation of the Proclamation any animals, plants or other goods specified in the Proclamation, being animals, plants or other goods in respect of which an exemption may be granted under subsection (4).

(6) If there is in force a Proclamation (the relevant Proclamation) under subsection (1) (whether made before or after the commencement of this subsection) prohibiting:

(a) the bringing into a port or other place in Australia of any animals, plants or other goods; or

(b) the removal of any animals, plants or other goods:

(i) from a part of Australia to another part of Australia; or

(ii) from a part of the Cocos Islands to another part of the Cocos Islands; or

(iii) from Australia or a part of Australia to the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands; or

(iv) from the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands to Australia or a part of Australia; or

(v) from a part of Christmas Island to another part of Christmas Island; or

(vi) from Australia or a part of Australia to Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island; or

(vii) from Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island to Australia or a part of Australia; or

(viii) from Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island to the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands; or

(ix) from the Cocos Islands or a part of the Cocos Islands to Christmas Island or a part of Christmas Island;

the Governor‑General may, by Proclamation (the exempting Proclamation), either generally or subject to such conditions or restrictions as are specified in the exempting Proclamation, exempt from the operation of the relevant Proclamation animals, plants or other goods of a kind specified in the exempting Proclamation, being animals, plants or other goods that:

(i) is in the Protected Zone; or

(ii) is in an area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone; or

(iii) is in a Special Quarantine Zone; and

(d) are owned by, or are under the control of, a traditional inhabitant who is on board that vessel.

(7) A Proclamation made under subsection (1) may, either generally or subject to such conditions or restrictions as are specified in the Proclamation, exempt from the operation of the Proclamation any animals, plants or other goods specified in the Proclamation, being animals, plants or other goods in respect of which an exemption may be granted under subsection (6).

13A Emergency quarantine grounds

The Minister may appoint any place to be a temporary quarantine station for such period as he or she thinks necessary, for the performance of quarantine by any vessel, installation, persons, goods, animals, or plants, and the place so appointed shall be deemed to be a quarantine station accordingly.

14 Exemption of certain vessels and goods

The Governor‑General may exempt, for such time and subject to such conditions as he or she thinks fit, from all or any of the provisions of this Act:

(a) any ship of war; and

(b) any vessels trading exclusively:

(i) between Australian ports; or

(ia) between Australian ports and Australian installations; or

(ii) between ports in the Cocos Islands; or

(iii) between Australia and New Zealand; or

(iv) between Australia and Fiji; or

(v) between Australia and the Cocos Islands; or

(va) between ports in Christmas Island; or

(vb) between Australia and Christmas Island; or

(vc) between the Cocos Islands and Christmas Island; or

(vi) between Australia and another place adjacent to Australia;

(d) any persons, animals, plants or goods or any classes of persons, animals, plants or other goods.

14A Exemptions pursuant to Torres Strait Treaty

(1) Without limiting the power of the Governor‑General to grant exemptions under section 14, the Minister may, by notice published in the Gazette, exempt, subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the notice, from all of the provisions of this Act, the regulations or a Proclamation under this Act or from so many of those provisions as are specified in the notice:

(a) any Protected Zone vessel that enters a part of Australia that is in the Protected Zone or in an area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone, being a vessel:

(i) on board which there is at least one traditional inhabitant who is entering that part of Australia in connection with the performance of traditional activities in the Protected Zone or in an area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone; and

(ii) no person on board which is a person other than:

(A) a person referred to in subparagraph (i); or

(B) an employee of the Commonwealth, of Queensland or of Papua New Guinea or of an authority of the Commonwealth, of Queensland or of Papua New Guinea who is entering that part of Australia in connection with the performance of his or her duties;

(b) persons on board a vessel of the kind referred to in paragraph (a); or

(i) are owned by, or are under the control of, a traditional inhabitant who is on board that vessel and have been used, are being used or are intended to be used by him or her in connection with the performance of traditional activities in the Protected Zone or in an area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone; or

(ii) are the personal belongings of a person referred to in subparagraph (a)(ii).

(2) An exemption granted under subsection (1) has effect only while the vessels, persons or goods in respect of which the exemption was granted remain in the Protected Zone or in an area in the vicinity of the Protected Zone.

15 Vessels may be directed to carry disinfecting equipment

(1) A Director of Quarantine may give to the operator or master of:

(a) a vessel going from one State or part of the Commonwealth to another State or part of the Commonwealth; or

(b) a vessel carrying passengers and trading regularly with the Commonwealth; or

a direction to cause to be carried on the vessel, for a period specified in the direction, such prophylactic agents, efficient disinfecting apparatus or appliances, and disinfectants, as are so specified.

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a Director of Quarantine gives a direction to the person under subsection (1); and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

(3) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.

16AA Certain resources installations to be part of Australia

(1) For the purposes of this Act, where:

(a) an overseas resources installation has been attached to the Australian seabed; and

(b) pratique has been granted to the installation or the installation has been released from quarantine;

the installation shall, subject to subsection (3), be deemed to be part of Australia.

(2) For the purposes of this Act, a resources installation that:

(a) not being an overseas resources installation, becomes attached to the Australian seabed after the commencement of this subsection; or

(b) is attached to the Australian seabed at the commencement of this subsection;

shall, subject to subsection (3), be deemed to be part of Australia.

(3) A resources installation that is deemed to be part of Australia by virtue of the operation of this section shall, for the purposes for this Act, cease to be part of Australia if:

(a) the installation is detached from the Australian seabed, or from another resources installation that is attached to the Australian seabed, for the purpose of being taken to a place outside the outer limits of Australian waters (whether or not the installation is to be taken to a place in Australia before being taken outside those outer limits); or

(b) after having been detached from the Australian seabed otherwise than for the purpose referred to in paragraph (a), the installation is moved for the purpose of being taken to a place outside the outer limits of Australian waters (whether or not the installation is to be taken to a place in Australia before being taken outside those outer limits).

16AAA Certain sea installations to be part of Australia

(1) For the purposes of this Act, where:

(a) an overseas sea installation has been installed in an adjacent area or in a coastal area; and

(b) pratique has been granted to the installation or the installation has been released from quarantine;

the installation shall, subject to subsection (3), be deemed to be part of Australia.

(2) For the purposes of this Act, a sea installation that:

(a) not being an overseas sea installation, becomes installed in an adjacent area or in a coastal area after the commencement of this subsection; or

(b) is installed in an adjacent area or in a coastal area at the commencement of this subsection;

shall, subject to subsection (3), be deemed to be part of Australia.

(3) A sea installation that is deemed to be part of Australia because of the operation of this section, shall, for the purposes of this Act, cease to be part of Australia if:

(a) the installation is detached from its location for the purpose of being taken to a place outside the outer limits of Australian waters; or

(b) after having been detached from its location otherwise than for the purpose referred to in paragraph (a), the installation is moved for the purpose of being taken to a place outside the outer limits of Australian waters.

16AB Certain goods deemed to be imported into Australia

(1) For the purposes of this Act, where an overseas resources installation becomes attached to the Australian seabed, any goods, animals or plants that are on board the installation at the time when it becomes so attached, not being goods, animals or plants that have been brought to the installation from a place in Australia, shall be deemed to be imported into Australia at that time.

(1A) For the purposes of this Act, where an overseas sea installation is installed in an adjacent area or in a coastal area, any goods, animals or plants that are on board the installation at the time when it becomes so installed, not being goods, animals or plants that have been brought to the installation from a place in Australia, shall be deemed to be imported into Australia at that time.

(2) For the purposes of this Act, where goods, animals or plants are taken from a place other than a place in Australia on to an Australian installation, the goods, animals or plants shall be deemed to have been imported into Australia at the time when they are taken on to the installation.

16AC Notice of proposed importation of goods

(1) If a person proposes to import goods into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, the person, or an agent of the person, may give notice of the proposed importation in accordance with this section.

(2) If:

(a) a person imports goods into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; and

(b) notice of the proposed importation of the goods was not given under subsection (1);

the person must, within the period applicable under subsection (2A), cause notice of the importation to be given in accordance with this section.

(2A) The period within which notice of the importation of goods is to be given by a person under subsection (2) is 35 days after:

(a) the day on which the person or an agent of the person receives notice of the landing of the goods; or

(b) if the person or an agent of the person does not receive notice of the landing of the goods before the person or agent receives the goods—the day on which the goods are so received.

(2B) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person is required by subsection (2) to cause a notice of the importation of goods to be given in accordance with this section; and

(b) the person fails to comply with the requirement.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to goods imported in circumstances prescribed by the regulations if any conditions prescribed by the regulations are complied with.

(4) A notice under subsection (1) or (2) must be given in the manner, and must contain the information relating to the goods, that is prescribed by the regulations.

(5) The regulations:

(a) may provide for a notice under subsection (1) to be given to:

(i) an officer; or

(ii) an officer of Customs; and

(b) may provide that the lodging of an entry, by electronic means or otherwise, under the Customs Act 1901 in relation to goods is to constitute:

(i) if the goods have not been imported—the giving of a notice of the proposed importation of the goods under subsection (1); or

(ii) if the goods have been imported—the giving of a notice of the importation of the goods under subsection (2); and

(5A) Without limiting subsection (5), the regulations may provide that the doing of something specified in the regulations is, or is in circumstances or subject to conditions so specified, taken to constitute the giving of a notice under subsection (1) or (2).

(6) If a notice under this section:

(a) is given to an officer of Customs; or

(b) is given by the lodging of an entry under the Customs Act 1901 as mentioned in paragraph (5)(b); or

a person to whom section 16 of the Customs Administration Act 1985 applies may, despite that section, give the notice, particulars of the entry, or particulars of the thing the doing of which is taken to constitute the giving of the notice, as the case may be, to a quarantine officer.

16AD Quarantine officer may require additional information about goods

(1) A quarantine officer may, by written notice given to a person who has imported, or proposes to import, goods into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island or to an agent of such a person, require the person to whom the notice is given to give any information about the goods that is stated in the notice.

(2) A notice under subsection (1), and any information given in response to such a notice, may be given by electronic means.

(3) If a notice under subsection (1) is given by electronic means, the notice is taken to have been given by the principal quarantine officer in the State or Territory in which the notice was sent.

(4) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a notice is given to the person under subsection (1); and

(b) the person fails to comply with the notice.

Maximum penalty: 120 penalty units.

Note: This section is subject to the privilege against self incrimination (see subsection 79A(3)).

16AE False or misleading information

A person must not include any information in a notice given under subsection 16AC(1) or (2), or give any information in response to a notice given under subsection 16AD(1), that the person knows to be false or misleading in a material particular.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

16AF Manner of communicating decisions by quarantine officers

(1) If a quarantine officer decides to order goods into quarantine, or to authorise goods to be brought into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island (whether by releasing the goods from quarantine, granting a permit, giving an authorisation, or otherwise), the decision may be recorded, and notice of the decision may be given to a person affected by it, by electronic means.

(2) A notice given to a person under subsection (1) may require the person to do a specified thing for the purpose of giving effect to the decision.

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a notice given to the person under subsection (1) requires the person to do a specified thing; and

(b) the person fails to comply with the requirement.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

16AG Evidence of giving of notices by electronic means

The regulations may provide for the manner in which evidence may be given in a proceeding for the purpose of proving:

(a) that a notice of the proposed importation of goods has, or has not, been given under subsection 16AC(1); or

(b) that a notice of the importation of goods has, or has not, been given under subsection 16AC(2); or

(d) that information has, or has not, been given as required by a notice under section 16AD; or

(e) the nature of any information given in response to a notice under section 16AD; or

(f) that a quarantine officer has authorised goods to be brought into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island by releasing the goods from quarantine, granting a permit, giving an authorisation, or otherwise.

16AH Vessel arriving illegally at a place other than a port

If a vessel that is at a place in Australia other than a port arrived at the place (whether before or after the commencement of this section) in contravention of this Act, an officer may perform any functions or exercise any powers under this Act in relation to the vessel, its operator, master, crew or passengers, or any goods on it, that he or she could have performed or exercised if the vessel were at a port.

Part IV—Quarantine of vessels, persons and goods

Division 1A—Application

16A Part applies to animals and plants

Notwithstanding Part V, this Part applies in relation to animals and plants as well as in relation to other goods.

Division 1—Liability to quarantine

17 Vessels or installation subject to quarantine

(1) The following vessels shall be subject to quarantine:

(a) every overseas vessel until pratique has been granted or until it has been released from quarantine;

(b) every vessel (whether an Australian vessel, a Cocos Islands vessel, a Christmas Island vessel or an overseas vessel) on board which any quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest, or disease or pest that there is reason to believe or suspect to be a quarantinable disease or a quarantinable pest, has broken out or been discovered (notwithstanding that pratique has been granted or that it has been released from quarantine);

(2) The following installations shall be subject to quarantine:

(a) any overseas installation;

(b) any Australian installation and any installation that is in Australian waters for the purpose of becoming attached to the Australian seabed, being an installation on board which any quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest, or disease or pest that there is reason to believe or suspect to be a quarantinable disease or a quarantinable pest, has broken out or been discovered;

18 Persons and goods subject to quarantine

(1) The following persons shall be subject to quarantine:

(a) every person who is on board a vessel subject to quarantine, or who has been on board the vessel (being an overseas vessel) since:

(i) in the case of a vessel that has arrived in Australia from a place outside Australia—its arrival in Australia; or

(ii) in the case of a vessel that has arrived in the Cocos Islands from a place outside the Cocos Islands—its arrival in the Cocos Islands; or

(iii) in the case of a vessel that has arrived in Christmas Island from a place outside Christmas Island—its arrival in Christmas Island;

(aa) every person who is on board an Australian vessel, a Cocos Islands vessel, or a Christmas Island vessel, subject to quarantine, or who has been on board the vessel since its arrival at the port (if any) at which it is subject to quarantine;

(ab) every person who is on board an installation subject to quarantine;

(b) every person infected with a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest;

(ba) every person who a quarantine officer reasonably suspects is infected with a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest;

(d) every person who is, or has been within a period of 21 days, in an area which is a quarantine area;

(e) every person who enters Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island unlawfully;

(f) every person who is ordered into quarantine by a quarantine officer.

(2) The following goods shall be subject to quarantine:

(a) all goods which are on board an overseas vessel, or which have been on board the vessel since:

(i) in the case of a vessel that has arrived in Australia from a place outside Australia—its arrival in Australia; or

(ii) in the case of a vessel that has arrived in the Cocos Islands from a place outside the Cocos Islands—its arrival in the Cocos Islands; or

(iii) in the case of a vessel that has arrived in Christmas Island from a place outside Christmas Island—its arrival in Christmas Island;

(aa) all goods which are on board an Australian vessel, a Cocos Islands vessel, or a Christmas Island vessel, subject to quarantine, or which have been on board the vessel since its arrival at the port (if any) at which it is subject to quarantine;

(ab) all goods which are on board an installation subject to quarantine;

(b) all goods infected with a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest;

(ba) all quarantinable pests and quarantinable diseases;

(c) all goods which have been in contact with or exposed to infection from a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest or from any person or goods subject to quarantine;

(d) all animals which are on board an Australian resources installation or a resources installation that is in Australian waters for the purpose of being attached to the Australian seabed, being animals which arrived at the installation otherwise than on board a vessel;

(e) all animals which are on board an Australian sea installation or a sea installation that is in Australian waters for the purpose of being installed in an adjacent area or in a coastal area, being animals which arrived at the installation otherwise than on board a vessel;

(f) any goods that are ordered into quarantine by a quarantine officer.

19 Revival of Quarantine (Cocos Islands)

(1) Where a vessel that ceased to be subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, the Cocos Islands is about to arrive in Australia or Christmas Island, the vessel again becomes subject to quarantine.

(2) Where a person who ceased to be subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, the Cocos Islands is about to arrive in Australia or Christmas Island, the person again becomes subject to quarantine.

(3) Where goods that ceased to be subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, the Cocos Islands are about to arrive in Australia or Christmas Island, the goods again become subject to quarantine.

(4) Where a vessel that ceased to be subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, Australia or Christmas Island is about to arrive in the Cocos Islands, the vessel again becomes subject to quarantine.

(5) Where a person who ceased to be subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, Australia or Christmas Island is about to arrive in the Cocos Islands, the person again becomes subject to quarantine.

(6) Where goods that ceased to be subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, Australia or Christmas Island are about to arrive in the Cocos Islands, the goods again become subject to quarantine.

19AA Revival of quarantine (Christmas Island)

(1) If a vessel that ceased to be subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, Christmas Island is about to arrive in Australia or the Cocos Islands, the vessel again becomes subject to quarantine.

(2) If a person who ceased to be subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, Christmas Island is about to arrive in Australia or the Cocos Islands, the person again becomes subject to quarantine.

(3) If goods that ceased to be subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, Christmas Island are about to arrive in Australia or the Cocos Islands, the goods again become subject to quarantine.

(4) If a vessel that ceased to be the subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, Australia or the Cocos Islands is about to arrive in Christmas Island, the vessel again becomes subject to quarantine.

(5) If a person who ceased to be subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, Australia or the Cocos Islands is about to arrive in Christmas Island, the person again becomes subject to quarantine.

(6) If goods that ceased to be subject to quarantine when in, or about to arrive in, Australia or the Cocos Islands are about to arrive in Christmas Island, the goods again become subject to quarantine.

19A Continuance of liability to quarantine

(1) Subject to this section, persons who, or vessels, installations or goods that, become subject to quarantine continue to be so subject until they are released from quarantine.

(2) Where pratique is granted to a vessel, the vessel ceases to be subject to quarantine in the port in which the pratique has effect, but:

(a) if the pratique has effect only from a particular period, the vessel ceases to be subject to quarantine for that period only; and

(b) the obligation to comply with measures of quarantine to which the pratique does not relate (if any) is not affected by the vessel ceasing to be subject to quarantine.

(2A) Where pratique is granted to an installation, the installation ceases to be subject to quarantine at the place at which the pratique has effect, but:

(a) if the pratique has effect only for a particular period, the installation ceases to be subject to quarantine for that period only; and

(b) the obligation to comply with measures of quarantine (if any) to which the pratique does not relate is not affected by the installation ceasing to be subject to quarantine.

(3) Where pratique is granted to a vessel, persons on the vessel cease to be subject to quarantine.

(4) Where pratique is granted to an installation, persons on the installation cease to be subject to quarantine.

20 Vessels to enter only first ports of entry unless permission given

(1) The master of an overseas vessel arriving in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island is guilty of an offence if the master permits the vessel to enter a place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island other than a port declared to be a first port of entry, a first Cocos Islands port of entry or a first Christmas Island port of entry, as the case may be.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the entry is made with the permission of the Minister given under section 20AA.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

(2) The master of an overseas vessel arriving in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island is guilty of an offence if the master permits the vessel to be:

(a) beached in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; or

(b) moored, anchored or otherwise secured in waters on the landward side of the baseline of the territorial sea of Australia, of the Cocos Islands or of Christmas Island;

otherwise than at a port.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

Note: The master will not be guilty of an offence if the prohibited conduct was due to sudden or extraordinary emergency (see section 10.3 of the Criminal Code).

20A Overseas aircraft to land only at landing places unless permission given

(1) The commander of an overseas aircraft is guilty of an offence if the commander permits the aircraft to land in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island at a place other than a landing place.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

Note: The commander will not be guilty of an offence if the landing was due to sudden or extraordinary emergency (see section 10.3 of the Criminal Code).

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the landing is made with the permission of the Minister given under section 20AA.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

20AA Permission to enter place other than first port of entry

(1) The Minister administering the Department that deals with human quarantine may, upon application being made in writing by the master, owner or agent of an overseas vessel, by notice in writing given to the person who made the application, give permission, subject to such conditions (if any) as are specified in the notice, for the vessel to be brought to:

(a) a place in Australia; or

(b) a place in the Cocos Islands; or

being a place other than a first port of entry, a first Cocos Island port of entry, a first Christmas Island port in entry or a landing place.

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person is, under subsection (1), given a permission that is subject to a condition; and

(b) the condition is contravened; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

20B Prohibition of entry by air from proclaimed places

Proclamation of place

(1) If the Governor‑General is of the opinion that there is danger of the introduction into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island by aircraft of disease from any place outside Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, as the case may be, the Governor‑General may, by Proclamation, declare the place to be a place in relation to which this section applies in respect of Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, as the case may be.

Offence by commander of aircraft

(2) The commander of any aircraft entering Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island is guilty of an offence if the commander permits the aircraft to enter from or through a place declared under subsection (1) to be a place in relation to which this section applies in respect of Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, as the case may be.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

Offence by operator of aircraft

(2A) The operator of any aircraft entering Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island is guilty of an offence if the operator permits the aircraft to enter from or through a place declared under subsection (1) to be a place in relation to which this section applies in respect of Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, as the case may be.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

Proclamation of conditions of entry

(3) The Governor‑General may, by Proclamation, declare that a person must not, so long as the Proclamation remains in force, enter Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island by an aircraft from any place outside Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, as the case may be, specified in the Proclamation unless the person has complied with the conditions stated in the Proclamation.

Conditions that may be proclaimed

(4) The conditions stated in a Proclamation under subsection (3) are such conditions as the Governor‑General thinks necessary or desirable for avoiding the possibility of the entry into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island of people suffering from, or capable of communicating, any disease.

Offence by person entering in reckless contravention of condition

(5) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person enters Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island in contravention of a condition stated in a Proclamation made under subsection (3); and

(b) the person is reckless as to whether or not the condition is contravened.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

Meaning of entry from place outside Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island

(6) For the purpose of this section, and of any Proclamation under this section, a person is taken to enter Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island from a place outside Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, as the case may be, if he or she has been in that place within 21 days before his or her arrival in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, as the case may be.

20C Aircraft landing at places other than landing places

Aircraft etc. may be ordered into quarantine

(1) If an aircraft that is subject to quarantine makes a landing at any place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island that is not a landing place, the aircraft and any person, animal, plant or other goods on board are taken, for the purposes of this Act, to be ordered into quarantine.

Direction for dealing with aircraft etc.

(2) A Director of Quarantine may give directions as to how an aircraft, a person, an animal, a plant or other goods referred to in subsection (1) are to be dealt with.

To whom directions may be given

(3) A direction under subsection (2) may be given, as appropriate, to:

(a) the operator or commander of the aircraft; or

(b) any person who is on board the aircraft or was on board it when it landed; or

Exception for aircraft landing with permission

(4) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to an aircraft that lands at a place other than a landing place in accordance with the permission of the Minister given under section 20AA.

Exception not to apply if condition of permission is contravened

(5) However, subsection (1) is not precluded by subsection (4) from applying in relation to the aircraft if:

(a) the permission is subject to a condition; and

(b) the condition is contravened.

Offence for failing to comply with direction

(6) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under subsection (2); and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

20D Animals, plants or other goods to be landed at declared port

Goods may only be landed at declared port

(1) Except as provided by subsection (2), imported animals, plants or other goods must not be landed at a place in Australia or, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island other than a port declared by Proclamation to be a port at which they may be landed.

Exception for goods landed with permission

(2) Imported animals, plants or other goods may be landed at a place in Australia or, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island that is not a port declared by Proclamation to be a port at which they may be landed if:

(a) they are landed from an overseas vessel; and

(b) a Director of Quarantine has, upon application made by the master, owner or agent of the vessel, given the applicant written permission for them to be landed at the place; and

Offence for landing goods without permission

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person lands any imported animals, plants or other goods in a place in Australia or, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island that is not a port declared by Proclamation to be a port at which they may be landed; and

(b) no permission is in force under subsection (2) for them to be landed at the place

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

Offence for contravening condition of permission

(4) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person lands any imported animals, plants or other goods at a place in Australia or, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island that is not a port declared by Proclamation to be a port at which they may be landed; and

(b) a permission is in force under subsection (2) for them to be landed at the place; and

(d) the condition is contravened; and

(e) the person is reckless as to whether or not the condition is contravened.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

21 Quarantine signals on vessels and installations

(1) The master of a vessel (other than an aircraft) subject to quarantine is guilty of an offence if he or she:

(a) fails to display the quarantine signal on the vessel before it comes within 3 nautical miles of any port or within 500 metres of an Australian installation; and

(b) fails to keep the quarantine signal displayed on the vessel while it enters, or is in, any port or quarantine station or is at an Australian installation.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

(1A) The commander of an aircraft subject to quarantine is guilty of an offence if he or she:

(b) on arrival at the first landing place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, or on arrival at an Australian installation and at each landing place afterwards called at, fails to cause the aircraft to come to a stop as near as possible to a spot marked by the prescribed signal on the landing place.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

(2) The master of an installation subject to quarantine shall:

(a) display the quarantine signal on the installation; and

(b) keep the quarantine signal displayed on the installation until pratique is granted or until the installation is released from quarantine.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

(3) An offence against this section is an offence of strict liability.

22 Notification of outbreak of a disease

(1) Subsection (2) applies if:

(a) a prescribed symptom presents itself, or a prescribed disease or an infectious disease breaks out, on board a vessel; or

(b) the master of a vessel believes or suspects, or has reason to believe or suspect, that a quarantinable disease has broken out, or a quarantinable pest is, on board the vessel.

(2) The master of the vessel:

(a) if the vessel is not actually performing quarantine under the supervision of a quarantine officer—must immediately notify a quarantine officer of the presence of the symptom, the breaking out of the disease or the existence of the pest; and

(b) if the vessel is not an overseas aircraft—must immediately display the quarantine signal on the vessel and must keep it displayed until he or she is authorised by a quarantine officer to remove it or until the vessel is released from quarantine.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

(4) In this section:

vessel includes:

(a) an Australian resources installation, or another resources installation that is in Australian waters for the purpose of becoming attached to the Australian seabed; and

(b) an Australian sea installation, or another sea installation that is in Australian waters for the purpose of becoming installed in an adjacent area or in a coastal area.

23 Signal

The quarantine signal shall be as prescribed and shall be displayed in the prescribed manner.

24 Unauthorised person not to board or approach vessel or installation

(1) An unauthorised person must not:

(a) go on board or alongside any vessel subject to quarantine or on which the quarantine signal is displayed; or

(b) approach within 30 metres of any prescribed signal on a landing place.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person does the things mentioned in that subsection as the master or a member of the crew of a tug that is carrying out operations as a tug.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (1A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

(2) An unauthorised person must not go on board or alongside any installation subject to quarantine or on which the quarantine signal is displayed.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

(2A) Subsection (2) does not apply if the person goes on board or alongside the installation as the master or a member of the crew of a tug that is carrying out operations as a tug.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (2A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

(3) An offence against this section is an offence of strict liability.

25 When required vessel to be brought to

The master of a vessel shall, on being so required by a quarantine officer, bring the vessel to, and shall by all reasonable means facilitate the boarding of the vessel by the quarantine officer.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 1 year.

25A Boarding of installations

(1) The master of an Australian resources installation or a resources installation that is in Australian waters to achieve the result of becoming attached to the Australian seabed shall, upon being so required by a quarantine officer, permit the quarantine officer to go on board the installation and shall, by all reasonable means, facilitate the boarding of the installation by the quarantine officer.

(2) The master of an Australian sea installation or a sea installation that is in Australian waters to achieve the result of becoming installed in an adjacent area or in a coastal area shall, upon being so required by a quarantine officer, permit the quarantine officer to go on board the installation and shall, by all reasonable means, facilitate the boarding of the installation by the quarantine officer.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

26 Limit in port for vessels subject to quarantine

(1) The master of a vessel subject to quarantine shall not allow the vessel to be brought into any part of the port within the quarantine line.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the master’s intention in allowing the vessel to be brought into the port is to comply with section 26A.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

(2) The Governor‑General may by proclamation fix the position of the quarantine line for any port.

26A Vessels to be brought to mooring grounds

The master of a vessel (other than an aircraft) that is subject to quarantine shall, forthwith on arrival at or near a port, bring the vessel:

(a) to a place appointed by the Governor‑General by proclamation to be a mooring ground in relation to the port for vessels subject to quarantine; or

(b) with the approval of a quarantine officer and on payment of any fee that is payable in respect of the approval, to such place as is specified in the approval.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

27A Pre‑arrival and pre‑departure reports by certain vessels (other than aircraft) and installations

Vessels from which reports are required

(1) This section applies to the master of:

(a) an overseas vessel (other than an aircraft) that is intended to arrive at a place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; or

(b) an overseas installation that:

(i) is intended to arrive at a place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island from a place outside Australia, the Cocos Islands and Christmas Island; or

(ii) is intended to arrive at a place in the Cocos Islands from a place in Australia or in Christmas Island; or

(iii) is intended to arrive at a place in Christmas Island from a place in Australia or in the Cocos Islands; or

(c) a vessel (other than a overseas vessel or an aircraft), or an installation (other than an overseas installation) that is intended to arrive:

(i) at a place in Australia from a place in the Cocos Islands or in Christmas Island; or

(ii) at a place in the Cocos Islands from a place in Australia or Christmas Island; or

(iii) at a place in Christmas Island from a place in Australia or the Cocos Islands; or

(d) a vessel (other than an overseas vessel, an aircraft or a prescribed vessel) that is intended to arrive:

(i) at a place in Australia (other than a place in a Special Quarantine Zone declared in respect of Australia or the Protected Zone) from a place in any of those zones; or

(ii) at a place in the Cocos Islands (other than a place in a Special Quarantine Zone declared in respect of the Cocos Islands) from a place in such a zone; or

(iii) at a place in Christmas Island (other than a place in a Special Quarantine Zone declared in respect of Christmas Island) from a place in such a zone.

Quarantine officer to whom pre‑arrival report to be sent

(2) The master of the vessel or installation must cause the prescribed information to be given, in a form approved by a Director of Quarantine, in the prescribed manner and during the prescribed period, to a quarantine officer:

(a) in respect of a vessel or installation that is intended to arrive at a place in Australia:

(i) if that place is a first port of entry for overseas vessels—at that port; or

(ii) otherwise—at a port that is declared by Proclamation to be a first port of entry for overseas vessels; or

(b) in respect of a vessel or installation that is intended to arrive at a place in the Cocos Islands—at that place; or

Action to be taken if report afterwards found to be incomplete or incorrect

(3) If, after any of the prescribed information is given to a quarantine officer under subsection (2), the master or operator of the vessel or installation becomes aware that the information is incomplete or incorrect, the master or operator, as the case may be, must cause the additional or correct information to be given to a quarantine officer as soon as practicable.

Pre‑departure report

(4) If:

(a) after the period within which the master of the vessel or installation was required to cause the prescribed information to be given to a quarantine officer under subsection (2); and

(b) before the vessel or installation departs from its last port in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island in the course of the relevant voyage;

any people on the vessel or installation are found to be suffering from a disease prescribed for the purposes of this section, the master must immediately cause particulars of the disease, and the number of people suffering from it, to be given to a quarantine officer.

Failure to give information

(5) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a requirement of this section applies to the person; and

(b) the person fails to comply with the requirement.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Note: Subsection (5) is not subject to the privilege against self incrimination but a use derivative‑use indemnity applies (see subsections 79A(1) and (2)).

Knowingly giving false or misleading information

(6) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person gives information, or causes information to be given, to a quarantine officer under a requirement made by this section (whether the requirement is made of that person or of another person); and

(b) the information is false or misleading in a material particular; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for one year.

Negligently giving false or misleading information

(7) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(b) the information is false or misleading in a material particular; and

Maximum penalty for an offence against this subsection: Imprisonment for 6 months.

27B Pre‑arrival and pre‑departure reports by certain aircraft

Aircraft from which reports are required

(1) This section applies to the commander of an aircraft (other than a prescribed aircraft) that:

(a) is intended to arrive at a place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; or

(b) is intended to arrive at a place in Australia (other than a place in a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of Australia or the Protected Zone) from a place in any of those zones; or

(c) is intended to arrive at a place in the Cocos Islands (other than a place in a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of the Cocos Islands) from a place in such a zone; or

(d) is intended to arrive at a place in Christmas Island (other than a place in a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of Christmas Island) from a place in such a zone.

Quarantine officer to whom pre‑arrival report to be sent

(2) The commander of the aircraft must cause the prescribed information to be given, in a form approved by a Director of Quarantine, in the prescribed manner and before the prescribed time, to a quarantine officer located at the place that is applicable in respect of the aircraft under regulations made for the purposes of this subsection.

Action to be taken if report afterwards found to be incomplete or incorrect

(3) If, after any of the prescribed information is given to a quarantine officer under subsection (2), the commander or operator of the aircraft becomes aware that the information is incomplete or incorrect, the commander or operator, as the case may be, must cause the additional or correct information to be given to a quarantine officer as soon as practicable.

Failure to give information

(4) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a requirement of this section applies to the person; and

(b) the person fails to comply with the requirement.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Note: Subsection (4) is not subject to the privilege against self incrimination but a use derivative‑use indemnity applies (see subsections 79A(1) and (2)).

Knowingly giving false or misleading information

(5) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(b) the information is false or misleading in a material particular; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for one year.

Negligently giving false or misleading information

(6) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(b) the information is false or misleading in a material particular; and

Maximum penalty for an offence against this subsection: Imprisonment for 6 months.

28 Quarantine officer may require master and medical officer of vessel or installation to answer questions

Quarantine officer may require master or medical officer to answer questions

(1) A quarantine officer may require any of the following:

(a) the master of an overseas vessel that has arrived, or is expected to arrive, at a port in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island;

(b) the master of a vessel that has arrived or is expected to arrive:

(i) at a place in Australia (other than a place in the Protected Zone or in a Special Quarantine Zone declared in respect of Australia) from a place in any of those zones; or

(ii) at a place in the Cocos Islands (other than a place in a Special Quarantine Zone declared in respect of the Cocos Islands) from a place in such a zone; or

(iii) at a place in Christmas Island (other than a place in a Special Quarantine Zone declared in respect of Christmas Island) from a place in such a zone;

(d) the commander of an overseas aircraft that has landed, or is expected to land, at a place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island that is not a landing place;

(e) if a vessel, installation or aircraft referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d) carries a medical officer—that medical officer;

(f) the agent of the operator of a vessel, installation or aircraft referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d);

to answer questions asked by the quarantine officer about any prescribed matters that are relevant to the vessel, installation or aircraft.

How questions to be asked and answers to be given

(2) Any questions asked by a quarantine officer under subsection (1) may be oral or in writing and the quarantine officer may:

(a) require the answers to be given orally; or

(b) require the answers to be given in writing.

Requirement to verify answer by written declaration

(3) A quarantine officer may require a person who answers a question to verify the answer by making a written declaration.

Action to be taken if answer found to be incorrect

(4) If, after a person answers a question asked under subsection (1), the person becomes aware that the answer is incorrect, the person must cause the correct answer to be sent to a quarantine officer as soon as possible.

Failure to answer orally

(5) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person is asked a question under subsection (1); and

(b) the person is required to answer the question orally; and

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

Failure to answer in writing

(6) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person is asked a question under subsection (1); and

(b) the person is required to answer the question in writing; and

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

Failure to make written declaration

(7) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person is required to verify an answer to a question by making a written declaration; and

(b) the person fails to comply with the requirement.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

False or misleading answer

(8) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person is asked a question under subsection (1); and

(b) the person gives an answer that the person knows to be false or misleading in a material particular.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

False or misleading declaration

(9) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person is asked to verify an answer to a question by making a written declaration; and

(b) the person makes a statement in the declaration that the person knows to be false or misleading in a material particular.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

Failure to send correct answer

(10) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) subsection (4) applies to the person; and

(b) the person fails to comply with that subsection.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

Definition

(11) In this section:

making a written declaration, in relation to an answer to a question, means signing before an officer a written declaration as to the truth of the answer.

Note: The privilege against self incrimination does not apply in respect of requirements made under this section but a use derivative‑use indemnity applies (see subsections 79A(1) and (2)).

29 People not to leave, or to remove goods from, vessel or installation that is subject to quarantine

Master leaving vessel or installation without permission

(1) The master of a vessel or installation that is subject to quarantine is guilty of an offence if he or she leaves the vessel or installation.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

Exception

(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the master leaves the vessel or installation with the written permission of a quarantine officer.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

Master knowingly allowing person to leave or remove goods

(2) The master of a vessel or installation that is subject to quarantine is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the master allows a person to leave, or allows a person to remove goods from, the vessel or installation; and

(b) the master knows that he or she does not have the written permission of a quarantine officer to allow the person to leave, or to allow the person to remove goods from, as the case may be, the vessel or installation.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

Master negligently allowing person to leave or remove goods

(3) The master of a vessel or installation that is subject to quarantine is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the master allows a person to leave, or allows a person to remove goods from, the vessel or installation; and

(b) a quarantine officer has not given written permission to the master to allow the person to leave, or to allow the person to remove the goods from, as the case may be, the vessel or installation; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Power to give permissions

(4) A quarantine officer has power to give to a specified person, or to persons included in a specified class of persons, written permission to do a specified act, or a specified class of acts, during a specified period for the purposes of this section.

Contravention of condition of permission

(5) The master of a vessel or installation is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a permission that is given by a quarantine officer to the master for the purposes of this section is subject to a condition; and

(b) the condition is contravened.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Power of master to detain person or goods

(6) For the purpose of complying with this section, the master of a vessel or installation may detain any person or goods on the vessel or installation and may use any means reasonably necessary for that purpose.

29A Animal or thing that has been exposed to an animal that has been killed or has died not to be removed from an overseas vessel or an overseas installation without permission

Animal or thing exposed to dead animal not to be removed

(1) Except as provided by subsection (2), none of the following may be removed from an overseas vessel or an overseas installation that is at a port or other place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island:

(a) an animal that has been killed, or has died, on the vessel or installation;

(b) any thing that has been exposed to an animal that has been so killed or has so died.

Note: As to the circumstances in which a thing is taken to have been exposed to an animal or a carcase of an animal, see section 5B.

Animal or thing may be removed with permission

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if a quarantine officer has given permission under subsection (3) for the removal.

Quarantine officer may give permission

(3) A quarantine officer has power to give a written permission for a specified act, or a specified class of acts, to be done during a specified period for the purposes of this section.

Offences

(4) The master of an overseas vessel or overseas installation that is at a port or other place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the master causes or permits another person to remove any animal or thing referred to in paragraph (1)(a) or (b) from the vessel or installation; or

(b) if a permission mentioned in subsection (4A) has been given by a quarantine officer for the removal of any animal or thing from the vessel or installation and the permission is subject to a condition:

(i) the condition has not been complied with; and

(ii) the master is negligent as to whether or not the condition has been complied with.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Exception

(4A) Paragraph (4)(a) does not apply if the removal is made with the written permission of a quarantine officer.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (4A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

Definition

(5) In this section:

overseas vessel includes:

(a) in relation to Australia:

(i) a vessel that travels to or from a place in Australia that is in the Protected Zone; and

(ii) a vessel that travels from or through a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of Australia; and

(b) in relation to the Cocos Islands—a vessel that travels from or through a Special Quarantine Zone in relation to the Cocos Islands; and

(c) in relation to Christmas Island—a vessel that travels from or through a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of Christmas Island.

29B Directions about animals on vessels or installations

Directions about animals

(1) A Director of Quarantine may give to the master of a vessel or installation referred to in subsection (2) that is at a port or other place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island a direction about:

(a) the confinement, isolation or control of an animal that is on board the vessel or installation; and

(b) the people (if any) who may be granted access to such an animal and the nature and extent of that access; and

(c) the disposal of an animal that has been killed, or has died, since it was brought on board the vessel or installation.

Vessels or installations at a port or other place in Australia that may be subject to directions

(2) The vessels or installations at a port or other place in Australia in respect of which directions may be given under subsection (1) are:

(a) an overseas vessel or an overseas installation; or

(b) a vessel that travels to or from a place in Australia that is in the Protected Zone; or

(d) another vessel or installation on which there are animals subject to quarantine.

Vessels or installations at a port or place in the Cocos Islands that may be subject to directions

(2A) The vessels or installations at a port or place in the Cocos Islands in respect of which directions may be given under subsection (1) are:

(a) an overseas vessel or an overseas installation; or

(b) a vessel that travels from or through a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of the Cocos Islands; or

Vessels or installations at a port or place in Christmas Island that may be subject to directions

(2B) The vessels or installations at a port or place in Christmas Island in respect of which directions may be given under subsection (1) are:

(a) an overseas vessel or an overseas installation; or

(b) a vessel that travels from or through a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of Christmas Island; or

Offences

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under subsection (1); and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

30 Persons prohibited from quitting vessels, installations and quarantine areas

(1) A person (not being a quarantine officer) who is on board a vessel subject to quarantine, or who is in a quarantine area, must not leave the vessel or quarantine area.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the person leaves the vessel or quarantine area with the authorisation of a quarantine officer.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

(2) A reference in subsection (1) to a vessel subject to quarantine shall be read as including a reference to an installation subject to quarantine.

31 Apprehension of persons liable to quarantine

(1) Any police officer or authorized person may, without warrant, apprehend:

(a) any person who has, in contravention of this Act or the regulations, quitted any vessel subject to quarantine or any quarantine station; or

(b) any person subject to quarantine (not being a person who is so subject by reason only of being or having been in a quarantine area or under quarantine surveillance) who is found in any place not being in or part of a quarantine station.

(1A) Any police officer or authorized person may, without warrant, apprehend any person who is subject to quarantine by reason of having been in a quarantine area and whom he or she believes to have left that area in contravention of this Act.

(2) Any person apprehended under this section shall be brought before a magistrate or quarantine officer, who may, on proof to his or her satisfaction that the person so brought before him or her is subject to quarantine, order him or her to be taken to the vessel from which he or she has landed or to a quarantine station to perform quarantine, or to be taken to the quarantine area from which he or she came, and may by warrant authorize any police officer or other person to take him or her accordingly, or may order him or her to be dealt with in accordance with the regulations.

(4) A reference in this section to a vessel subject to quarantine shall be read as including a reference to an installation subject to quarantine.

32 Mooring of vessels from declared places

(1) A vessel which has arrived at any port from a declared place and which has not been granted pratique having effect in that port shall be moored or berthed in the port in accordance with the directions of a quarantine officer (human quarantine) or as prescribed.

(2) The master of a vessel shall not suffer or permit it to be moored or berthed in any port in contravention of this section.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

32A Vessel coming from declared place may be directed not to enter a port

(1) A Director of Quarantine may direct the master of a vessel that:

(a) is bound for a port in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; and

(b) comes from, or calls or lands at, a declared place;

not to enter any port, or not to enter a specified port, in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island.

(2) The master of a vessel is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the master under subsection (1); and

(b) the master fails to comply with the direction.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

32B Pratique in relation to certain overseas aircraft

(1) An overseas aircraft that arrives at a port in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, is taken to have been granted pratique at the time of its arrival.

(2) However, subsection (1) does not apply, and is taken never to have applied, if:

(a) the commander of the aircraft has, in accordance with section 22, notified a quarantine officer of the presence of a prescribed symptom, or the breaking out of a prescribed disease or an infectious disease, on board the aircraft; or

(b) the commander of the aircraft has given prescribed information, required by section 27B, to a quarantine officer; or

(c) the Director of Human Quarantine has given a direction, before the aircraft arrives, that pratique is not taken to have been granted under this section; or

(d) a quarantine officer (human quarantine) advises the commander of the aircraft, before or after the aircraft arrives, that he or she is not satisfied that the aircraft is free from infection.

(3) For the purpose of paragraph (2)(c), regulations may prescribe:

(a) the circumstances in which the Director of Human Quarantine may give a direction; and

(b) considerations the Director must take into account in giving a direction; and

(4) Pratique has effect at the port where the overseas aircraft lands, for as long as the aircraft remains at the port.

33 Pratique in relation to other overseas vessels

(1AA) This section does not apply to an overseas aircraft to which subsection 32B(1) applies.

(1) Subject to subsection (2), where a quarantine officer (human quarantine) is satisfied that an overseas vessel at, or about to arrive at, a port in relation to which the vessel has not been granted pratique is free from infection, the quarantine officer (human quarantine) shall grant the vessel pratique having effect in that port and such other ports as he or she considers appropriate.

(1A) Subject to subsection (2), where:

(a) an overseas vessel is:

(i) in accordance with the permission of the Minister given under section 20AA; or

(ii) by reason of stress of weather or other reasonable cause;

at, or about to arrive at, a place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island other than a port declared to be a first port of entry, a first Cocos Islands port of entry or a first Christmas Island port of entry, as the case may be; and

(b) a quarantine officer (human quarantine) is satisfied that the vessel is free from infection;

the quarantine officer (human quarantine) shall grant the vessel pratique having effect in that place and at such ports as he or she considers appropriate.

(2) A quarantine officer (human quarantine) may refuse to grant a vessel pratique if the quarantine officer (human quarantine) has reasonable grounds to believe that section 75A applies to the vessel.

(3) Pratique shall be granted to a vessel by giving the master of the vessel a certificate of pratique in a form approved by the Director of Human Quarantine or by giving the master particulars of the pratique by radio message or otherwise, but, where pratique is granted otherwise than by the giving of a certificate of pratique, a quarantine officer (human quarantine) shall give the master a certificate of pratique in a form approved by the Director of Human Quarantine as soon as practicable after the vessel arrives at the first port or place in which the pratique has effect.

(4) Pratique may be pratique having effect in:

(a) all places in Australia, or in the Cocos Islands, or in Christmas Island; or

(b) all ports in Australia, or in the Cocos Islands, or in Christmas Island, other than landing places; or

(d) all places in a part of Australia, a part of the Cocos Islands, or a part of Christmas Island, that is specified by the quarantine officer (human quarantine) granting the pratique; or

(e) all ports in a part of Australia, a part of the Cocos Islands, or a part of Christmas Island, that is specified by the quarantine officer (human quarantine) granting the pratique, other than landing places; or

(f) all landing places in a part of Australia, a part of the Cocos Islands, or a part of Christmas Island, that is specified by the quarantine officer (human quarantine) granting the pratique; or

(g) a particular port, or particular ports, in Australia, in the Cocos Islands, or in Christmas Island, that are specified by the quarantine officer (human quarantine) granting the pratique; or

(h) all Australian installations, or Australian installations specified by the quarantine officer (human quarantine) granting the pratique.

(5) Pratique may be pratique having effect for a period specified by the quarantine officer (human quarantine) granting it.

(6) Pratique may relate to all measures of quarantine or to measures of quarantine specified by the quarantine officer (human quarantine) granting the pratique.

33A Grant of pratique to installations

(1) Where a quarantine officer (human quarantine) is satisfied that an overseas installation is free from infection, the quarantine officer (human quarantine) shall grant the installation pratique having effect in a place at which the installation is, or is to be, attached or installed, as the case requires, and in such other places (including ports) as he or she considers appropriate.

(2) Pratique shall be granted to an overseas installation by giving the master of the installation a certificate of pratique in a form approved by the Director of Human Quarantine or by giving the master particulars of the pratique by radio message or otherwise, but, where pratique is granted to an installation otherwise than by the giving of a certificate of pratique, the quarantine officer (human quarantine) shall give the master of the installation a certificate of pratique in a form approved by the Director of Human Quarantine as soon as practicable after the installation is:

(a) if the installation is an overseas resources installation—attached to the Australian seabed; or

(b) if the installation is an overseas sea installation—installed in an adjacent area or in a coastal area.

(3) Pratique granted under this section may be pratique having effect for a period specified by the quarantine officer (human quarantine) granting it.

(4) Pratique granted under this section may relate to all measures of quarantine or to measures of quarantine specified by the officer granting the pratique.

34 Quarantine surveillance

(1) Where a vessel has arrived at any port from a declared place, or is subject to quarantine, and the quarantine officer (human quarantine) is satisfied that no person on board is actually suffering from a quarantinable disease, but is not satisfied that the vessel is free from infection, he or she may, subject to this section:

(a) refrain from granting pratique;

(b) permit the vessel to proceed on its voyage without performing quarantine at a quarantine station;

(ca) permit any members of the crew and their effects to leave the vessel; or

(d) permit any cargo on the vessel for that port to be landed.

(2) The vessel shall continue to be subject to quarantine until pratique is granted.

(3) All persons landed in pursuance of this section shall continue subject to quarantine until such period as is prescribed, and, while so subject, shall be under quarantine surveillance and shall comply with the regulations relating to quarantine surveillance.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(4) Any cargo or passengers’ effects that are landed under this section are to be treated in such manner as a quarantine officer directs.

(5) A person who is the importer, or has control, of any cargo or passengers’ effects that are landed under this section is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under subsection (4) in relation to the cargo or effects; and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: 20 penalty units.

(6) An offence against this section is an offence of strict liability.

Division 2—Performance of quarantine

35 Order to perform quarantine

(1) A quarantine officer may, by order in writing, order into quarantine any vessel, Australian installation, resources installation that is in Australian waters for the purpose of becoming attached to the Australian seabed, sea installation that is in Australian waters for the purpose of being installed in an adjacent area or in a coastal area, person, or goods (whether subject to quarantine or not), being or likely to be, in his or her opinion, infected with a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest or a source of infection with a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest.

(1AAAA) In deciding whether a person is, or is likely to be, infected with a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest or a source of infection with a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest, the quarantine officer may seek an opinion from a medical practitioner.

(1AAA) A quarantine officer may, by order in writing, order into quarantine any goods that, in his or her opinion, are or are likely to be quarantinable pests or quarantinable diseases.

(1AA) A quarantine officer may, by order in writing, order into quarantine any goods (whether subject to quarantine or not) in the Cocos Islands that, in his or her opinion, are, or are likely to be, infected with, or a source of infection with, a disease or pest.

(1AB) A quarantine officer may, by order in writing, order into quarantine any goods (whether subject to quarantine or not) in Christmas Island that, in his or her opinion, are, or are likely to be, infected with, or a source of infection with, a disease or pest.

(1A) A quarantine officer (human quarantine) may, by order in writing, order into quarantine any person, being a person who is or has been on board an overseas vessel or overseas installation, who fails to satisfy the quarantine officer (human quarantine) that he or she has, within the prescribed period, been successfully vaccinated or inoculated against any prescribed disease.

(1B) In deciding whether a person has been successfully vaccinated or inoculated against any prescribed disease, the quarantine officer (human quarantine) may seek an opinion from a medical practitioner.

(1C) If a quarantine officer (human quarantine) orders a person into quarantine under subsection (1A), the officer must also:

(a) inform the person of his or her right to request an independent medical assessment as allowed by section 35C; and

(b) notify the Director of Human Quarantine, in writing, of the order as soon as practicable.

(2) If a vessel has arrived in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island from a declared place the quarantine officer shall (except as prescribed) order it into quarantine.

(2A) After an overseas installation has arrived in Australian waters from a declared place, the quarantine officer shall (except as prescribed) order the installation into quarantine.

(3) The order may:

(a) in the case of any vessel or installation, and all persons and goods on board the vessel or installation, be served on the master of the vessel or installation; or

(b) in the case of any person, be served on the person; or

(c) in the case of any goods, be served on the importer, owner, consignee or any person having possession or custody of the goods.

(4) When the order has been served in accordance with this section, the vessel or installation, and all persons and goods on board the vessel or installation, or the person or goods, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be ordered into quarantine.

(5) In this section:

medical practitioner means a person who is registered as a medical practitioner in a State or Territory.

35AA Medical examination for possible pulmonary tuberculosis

(1) Where a quarantine officer (human quarantine) is not satisfied that a person, being a non‑citizen, is not suffering from active pulmonary tuberculosis, the quarantine officer (human quarantine) may, by order in writing served on the person, require him or her to undergo, within a time and at a place specified in the order, a medical examination in accordance with subsection (2).

(2) The medical examination referred to in subsection (1) shall:

(a) be carried out by, or under the supervision of, a person registered as a medical practitioner in a State or Territory, being a person approved by the Minister for the purposes of this section; and

(b) be such examination as that person considers necessary to ascertain whether or not the person to be examined is suffering from active pulmonary tuberculosis.

(3) If a person fails to comply with an order under subsection (1), a quarantine officer (human quarantine) may, by order in writing served on the person, order him or her into quarantine.

(4) Where a quarantine officer is of the opinion that a person, being a non‑citizen, is, or is likely to be, suffering from active pulmonary tuberculosis, the quarantine officer (human quarantine) may, by order in writing served on the person, order the person into quarantine.

(4A) If a quarantine officer (human quarantine) orders a person into quarantine under subsection (3) or (4), the officer must also:

(a) inform the person of his or her right to request an independent medical assessment as allowed by section 35C; and

(b) notify the Director of Human Quarantine, in writing, of the order as soon as practicable.

(5) A quarantine officer (human quarantine) may release under quarantine surveillance a person ordered into quarantine under this section.

(6) The regulations may provide that this section does not apply to a person included in a prescribed class of persons.

(7) In this section, non‑citizen has the same meaning as in the Migration Act 1958.

35A Vessel or installation having a communicable disease on board

Circumstances in which section applies

(1) This section applies if:

(a) a vessel or installation has on board any case of communicable disease (the disease); and

(b) a quarantine officer (human quarantine) certifies that measures of quarantine are necessary to prevent the disease from spreading.

Direction as to measures of quarantine to be taken

(2) The Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine) or a quarantine officer (human quarantine) may direct:

(a) the measures to be taken for the treatment of the vessel or installation; and

(b) any other measures of quarantine to be taken:

(i) in relation to the vessel or installation or any goods on it; or

(ii) in relation to any people who are or have been on board the vessel or installation or any of their clothing or personal effects;

and may give directions as to the persons who are to take the measures.

People may be ordered into quarantine

(3) A quarantine officer (human quarantine) may order into quarantine any people who are or have been on board the vessel or installation and are suffering or suspected to be suffering, or have been exposed to infection, from the disease.

Medical opinion may be sought

(3A) In deciding whether a person is suffering or suspected to be suffering from the disease, a quarantine officer (human quarantine) may seek an opinion from a medical practitioner.

Director of Human Quarantine to be notified

(3B) If a quarantine officer (human quarantine) orders a person into quarantine under subsection (3), the officer must also:

(a) inform the person of his or her right to request an independent medical assessment as allowed by section 35C; and

(b) notify the Director of Human Quarantine, in writing, of the order as soon as practicable.

People ordered into quarantine may be removed to quarantine station

(4) A quarantine officer (human quarantine) may cause any people so ordered into quarantine to be removed to a quarantine station.

People subject to quarantine

(5) People suffering, or suspected to be suffering, from the disease are taken to be subject to quarantine even if the disease has not been proclaimed to be a quarantinable disease.

Offences for failure to take measures

(6) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under subsection (2) to take specified measures; and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Master knowingly or recklessly permitting person suffering from disease to leave vessel or installation

(7) The master of the vessel or installation is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a person is suffering from the disease or has been exposed to infection from the disease; and

(b) the master permits the person to leave the vessel or installation; and

(c) the master knows that, or is reckless as to whether or not, the person is suffering from the disease or has been exposed to infection from the disease.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

Master negligently permitting person suffering from disease to leave vessel or installation

(8) The master of the vessel or installation is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a person is suffering from the disease or has been exposed to infection from the disease; and

(b) the master permits the person to leave the vessel or installation; and

(c) the master is negligent as to whether or not the person is suffering from the disease or has been exposed to infection from the disease.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 3 years.

Person suffering from disease leaving vessel or installation without permission

(9) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person is suffering, or suspects that he or she is suffering, from the disease or from any other communicable disease; and

(b) the person leaves the vessel or installation.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

Person in charge of another person allowing the other person to leave the vessel or installation without permission

(10) A person (the first person) is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the first person is in charge of another person who is on board the vessel or installation; and

(b) the first person allows the other person to leave the vessel or installation; and

(c) the first person knows that, or is reckless as to whether or not, the other person is suffering from the disease or from any other communicable disease.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

Exception

(10A) Subsections (7), (8), (9) and (10) do not apply if the person leaves the vessel or installation with the permission of a quarantine officer (human quarantine).

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (10A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

Definition

(11) In this section:

installation means:

(a) an Australian resources installation; or

(b) a resources installation that is in Australian waters for the purpose of becoming attached to the Australian seabed; or

(d) a sea installation that is in Australian waters for the purpose of becoming installed in an adjacent area or in a coastal area.

medical practitioner means a person who is registered as a medical practitioner in a State or Territory.

35B Release from quarantine

(1) A person ordered into quarantine under section 35, 35AA or 35A must be released from quarantine once the person receives a certificate of release from a quarantine officer (human quarantine) authorising his or her release.

(2) In deciding whether to give a person a certificate of release, a quarantine officer (human quarantine) may seek an opinion from a medical practitioner.

(3) If a quarantine officer (human quarantine) gives a person a certificate of release, the officer must also notify the Director of Human Quarantine, in writing, of the person’s release as soon as practicable.

(4) In this section:

medical practitioner means a person who is registered as a medical practitioner in a State or Territory.

35C Person ordered into quarantine may seek an independent medical assessment

(1) A person ordered into quarantine under section 35, 35AA or 35A who is, or is likely to be, suffering from a human quarantinable disease or a communicable disease, may request that a quarantine officer (human quarantine) arrange for a medical practitioner, nominated by the person, to provide the person with a written independent medical assessment of the person’s condition.

(2) The quarantine officer (human quarantine) must arrange for the independent medical assessment to be provided if:

(a) the person agrees to pay any fee or other amount required by the medical practitioner for providing the assessment; and

(b) the medical practitioner agrees to provide the assessment.

(3) A person may not make a request under subsection (1) during any period while:

(a) a Proclamation by the Governor‑General under section 2B declaring the existence of an epidemic is in force; or

(b) the Minister is taking quarantine measures, or measures incidental to quarantine, under section 12A.

(4) A person who has been provided with a medical assessment may not make a further request under subsection (1) unless 72 hours have passed since that assessment was provided.

(5) In this section:

medical practitioner means a person who is registered as a medical practitioner under a State or Territory law.

35D Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine) must assess whether a person is to remain in quarantine

(1) A Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine) must assess whether a person is to remain in quarantine if:

(a) an independent medical assessment is provided to the person in accordance with section 35C; and

(b) the person gives a copy of the assessment to a quarantine officer (human quarantine).

(2) In making his or her assessment, the Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine) must take into account the independent medical assessment.

(3) Subsection (2) does not limit the matters that the Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine) may take into account.

36 Master may be directed to take vessel or installation into quarantine

Direction to take vessel or installation to quarantine station or other place

(1) When a vessel or installation is ordered into quarantine, a quarantine officer may direct the master of the vessel or installation to cause it, and all people and goods on board it, to be immediately taken to such quarantine station or other place or places as are stated in the direction for the purpose of performing quarantine.

Direction to take vessel or installation to place for treatment

(2) When a vessel or installation ordered into quarantine has to be treated in any way, a quarantine officer may direct the master of the vessel or installation to take it to a place stated in the direction for the purpose of being treated.

Offence

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under this section; and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

37 When vessel or installation deemed to be in quarantine

A vessel or installation ordered into quarantine, although not actually within a quarantine station, shall be deemed to be in quarantine.

38 Particulars to be given

(1) When the vessel arrives at the appointed quarantine station, the master shall, on request, produce and deliver to the officer in charge of the quarantine station his or her passenger list, log, manifest, journal, and other ship’s papers.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

(1A) When an installation has been ordered into quarantine the master shall, on request by the quarantine officer, produce and deliver to the officer such documents in his or her possession or control as the officer requests.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

(2) Subsection (1) has effect, in relation to a vessel in the Cocos Islands, as if:

(a) the reference in that subsection to the appointed quarantine station included a reference to the appointed place in the Cocos Islands; and

(b) the reference in that subsection to the officer in charge of the quarantine station included a reference to a quarantine officer in the Cocos Islands.

(3) An offence against this section is an offence of strict liability.

39 Performance of quarantine by vessel or installation

(1) Every vessel in quarantine shall, subject to this Act, perform quarantine at the appointed quarantine station, and for that purpose may be there detained by a quarantine officer or any authorized person until released in accordance with this Act, and whilst so detained shall be subject to the regulations relating to the performance of quarantine and every installation in quarantine shall, subject to this Act, perform quarantine at such place as the quarantine officer directs and whilst performing quarantine, shall be subject to the regulations relating to the performance of quarantine.

(2) Subsection (1) has effect, in relation to a vessel in the Cocos Islands, as if the reference in that subsection to the appointed quarantine station included a reference to the appointed place in the Cocos Islands.

(3) Subsection (1) has effect, in relation to a vessel in Christmas Island, as if the reference in that subsection to the appointed quarantine station included a reference to the appointed place in Christmas Island.

40 Vessel or installation in quarantine not to be moved without permission

(1) The master of a vessel or installation that is in quarantine is guilty of an offence if he or she allows the vessel or installation to be moved.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if the vessel or installation is moved with the written permission of a quarantine officer.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

(2) A quarantine officer may give permission for a vessel or installation that is in quarantine to be moved.

(3) The master of a vessel or installation that is in quarantine is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a permission given by a quarantine officer for the movement of the vessel or installation is subject to a condition; and

(b) the condition has not been complied with; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

41 Removal from vessel to perform quarantine

(1) For the purpose of the performance of quarantine, any persons on board a vessel subject to quarantine may be removed from the vessel by a quarantine officer at any port (notwithstanding that the port is not their port of destination) and conveyed to and detained in a quarantine station there to perform quarantine.

(2) All persons removed from a vessel in pursuance of this section shall be entitled to be provided with free passages to their ports of destination forthwith after being released from quarantine.

42 Power to permit vessel to proceed on voyage

The Minister administering the Department that deals with human quarantine may, if he or she thinks fit, permit any vessel in quarantine to proceed on its voyage with its officers, crew, and passengers, or any of them, without performing quarantine at the quarantine station at the port or landing place at which it then is; but the vessel and its officers, crew, and passengers shall not thereby be released from quarantine, but shall, while in Australia and until released from quarantine, be deemed to be in quarantine, and shall, except as prescribed or as ordered by the Minister administering that Department, be subject to this Act and the regulations to the same extent as if they were performing quarantine at a quarantine station.

44 Goods not to be removed

(1) When a vessel or installation is in quarantine then, until the vessel or installation is released from quarantine, no unauthorized person shall land or unship, or move with intent to land or unship, any goods from the vessel or installation.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

Penalty for receiving quarantinable goods

(2) A person must not receive or have in his or her possession any goods landed or unshipped from any vessel or installation in contravention of this section.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

(3) If a vessel or installation is displaying flags, lights or other signals that clearly indicate that the vessel or installation is in quarantine:

(a) any unauthorised person who lands or unships goods from the vessel or installation, or moves goods on the vessel or installation, is presumed, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, to have intended to land or unship the goods, or to have moved the goods in order to land or unship them, as the case may be; and

(b) any person who receives or has in his or her possession any goods landed or unshipped from the vessel or installation is presumed, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, to have known that the goods were landed or unshipped from the vessel or installation.

Note: In a prosecution for an offence against this section, the defendant bears an evidential burden of proof in respect of evidence to the contrary.

44A Removal from vessels or installations of goods in quarantine

(1) In this section, prescribed vessel means a vessel that is not subject to quarantine.

(2) A person must not remove from a prescribed vessel any goods on the vessel that are subject to quarantine.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

(3) The master of a prescribed vessel must not permit to be removed from the vessel any goods on the vessel that are subject to quarantine.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

(3A) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply if the goods:

(a) form part of the cargo of the vessel that is to be landed in the country, being Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, where the vessel is; or

(b) are removed with the permission of a quarantine officer or in compliance with this Act or the Regulations.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matters in subsection (3A) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

(4) If a quarantine officer so directs, a person shall not land from a prescribed vessel any goods on the vessel that are subject to quarantine and form part of the cargo of the vessel that is to be landed in the country, being Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, where the vessel is.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

(5) If a person lands from a prescribed vessel any goods that are subject to quarantine and form part of the cargo of the vessel, he or she shall not land them at a place other than:

(a) a part of the precincts of a wharf or airport that is a part approved for the purposes of this subsection by a Director of Quarantine; or

(b) where the vessel has, in accordance with the permission of the Minister given under section 20AA, been brought to an Australian installation—a part of the installation approved for the purposes of this subsection by the Minister.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply if the person lands the goods at a place with the permission of a quarantine officer.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (6) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

44B Landed cargo in quarantine

Goods to which section applies

(1) This section applies to goods that:

(a) formed part of the cargo of a vessel; and

(b) are landed in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; and

Actions to which section applies

(2) The following are relevant acts in relation to goods:

(a) moving the goods:

(i) from the part of the precincts of the wharf or airport, or from the Australian installation, where they were landed; or

(ii) from a place to which they have been moved with the consent of a quarantine officer;

(b) dealing with the goods;

Offence for doing act without permission

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person does a relevant act in relation to goods; and

(b) the person does not have the permission of a quarantine officer under subsection (6) or of a Director of Quarantine under subsection (7) to do the act.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

Offence for doing an act recklessly in contravention of condition of permission

(4) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person does a relevant act in relation to goods; and

(b) the person has the permission of a quarantine officer under subsection (6) or of a Director of Quarantine under subsection (7) to do the act; and

(d) the condition is contravened; and

(e) the person is reckless as to whether or not the condition is contravened.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

Defence

(5) It is a defence to a prosecution for an offence against subsection (3) or (4) if the defendant proves that the relevant act was done for the purpose of taking the goods, in accordance with conditions specified by a quarantine officer, from the part of the precincts of the wharf or airport where the goods were landed in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island to a port at which the goods are permitted to enter Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, as the case may be.

Note: A defendant bears a legal burden in relation to a matter mentioned in subsection (5) (see subsection 13.4 of the Criminal Code).

Permission by quarantine officer

(6) A quarantine officer may give permission to a person to do a specified relevant act in relation to specified goods.

Permission by Director of Quarantine

(7) A Director of Quarantine may give permission to a person to do one or more relevant acts in relation to goods included in a specified class of goods.

No specified criteria for granting permission

(8) In deciding whether to give permission, a quarantine officer or a Director of Quarantine may have regard to such matters as he or she thinks relevant.

44C Examination of goods on importation

(1) A quarantine officer or an authorized person may examine any imported goods that have not been released from quarantine.

(2) The quarantine officer must:

(a) if he or she is of the opinion that there is an unacceptably high level of quarantine risk in respect of the goods—order the goods into quarantine; or

(b) otherwise—release the goods from quarantine.

(5) In this section, goods does not include an animal within the meaning of section 52 or a plant.

44D Examination of imported goods

(1) A quarantine officer or an authorized person may examine any imported goods that have been released from quarantine.

(2) If, after the examination of the goods under subsection (1), a quarantine officer is of the opinion that there is an unacceptably high level of quarantine risk in respect of the goods, the officer must order the goods into quarantine.

(3) In this section, goods does not include an animal within the meaning of section 52 or a plant.

45 Performance of quarantine by persons

(1) All persons ordered into quarantine shall perform quarantine, and for that purpose may:

(a) be detained on board the vessel or installation;

(b) be detained upon the premises upon which they are found;

(d) be removed to and detained in any suitable place or building approved by a quarantine officer (which place or building shall, for the purposes of this Act, be deemed to be a quarantine station);

until released in accordance with this Act or the regulations; and while so detained shall be subject to the regulations regulating the performance of quarantine and the government of quarantine stations.

Penalty for breach of regulations

(2) No person ordered into quarantine shall commit any breach of the regulations regulating the performance of quarantine or the government of quarantine stations.

Maximum penalty: 30 penalty units.

Quarantine surveillance

(3) Where a person ordered into quarantine is not, in the opinion of a quarantine officer, actually suffering from a quarantinable disease, the quarantine officer may release the person under quarantine surveillance.

(3A) A person released under subsection (3) shall, while he or she is under quarantine surveillance, report to such person at such times and places as are directed by a quarantine officer.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

(4) Any person who is under quarantine surveillance must comply with the regulations relating to quarantine surveillance.

Maximum penalty: 30 penalty units.

(5) An offence against this section is an offence of strict liability.

46 Release from quarantine

When quarantine has been performed by any vessel, installation or person in accordance with this Act and the regulations, the vessel, installation or person, as the case may be, shall forthwith be released from quarantine.

46A Approvals for the purpose of goods subject to quarantine

Giving of approvals

(1) A Director of Quarantine may, on application by the owner or occupier of a place and on payment of the prescribed fee, by writing:

(a) approve the place as a place where goods of a specified class that are subject to quarantine may be treated or otherwise dealt with; and

(b) if a place is so approved—approve goods of that class being moved, dealt with or interfered with in a way set out in the approval while they are at that place.

Applications for approvals

(2) Applications for approvals are to contain such information, and be accompanied by such documents, as a Director of Quarantine determines.

Applicant may be required to make declaration

(3) Without limiting subsection (2) but subject to Part VIIC of the Crimes Act 1914, a Director of Quarantine may require a person who applies for an approval to make and sign a written declaration before an officer stating:

(a) whether the person has been convicted of:

(i) an offence against this Act; or

(ii) an offence against the Customs Act 1901 in relation to the importation or movement of, or an interference with, goods; or

(iii) an offence against any other law of the Commonwealth prescribed for the purposes of this section; or

(iv) an offence against any law of a State or a Territory prescribed for the purposes of this section; and

(b) whether a previous application under subsection (1) by the person has been granted or refused; and

(c) whether any approval given under this section or under any other provision of this Act to, or on the application of, the person has been suspended or revoked.

Criteria for giving approvals

(4) In deciding whether to give an approval, the Director of Quarantine must take into account:

(a) whether the procedures proposed in the application to be carried out (the proposed procedures) in relation to the goods at the place:

(i) can be carried out without an unacceptably high level of quarantine risk; and

(ii) can be carried out without any contravention of this Act; and

(iii) will be capable of being effectively monitored to determine whether this Act is being complied with; and

(iv) will be of such a nature as will enable the correctness of any oral or written statements made in connection with the application for the approval to be determined; and

(b) whether the proposed arrangements for the management and control of the place and the operational practices proposed to be carried out at the place are adequate, having regard to the nature of the goods, the proposed procedures and the level of quarantine risk; and

(c) whether the location of the place is appropriate, and whether the construction of the premises, equipment and other facilities and the services provided at the place are adequate, having regard to the nature of the goods, the proposed procedures and the level of quarantine risk; and

(d) whether the place is sufficiently close to the nearest place where duties are regularly performed by quarantine officers who could appropriately be called upon to check whether this Act is being complied with in relation to the place and the goods; and

(e) whether the applicant has the capacity to comply with the proposed procedures; and

(f) whether any person who manages or controls, or is an occupier of, the place or would be carrying out the proposed procedures, has, subject to Part VIIC of the Crimes Act 1914, been convicted of:

(i) an offence against this Act; or

(ii) an offence against the Customs Act 1901 in relation to the importation or movement of, or an interference with, goods; or

(iii) an offence against any other law of the Commonwealth prescribed for the purposes of this section; or

(iv) an offence against any law of a State or a Territory prescribed for the purposes of this section; and

(g) any other matters that the Director thinks relevant.

Period of approval

(5) An approval has effect for a period (not exceeding one year) specified in the approval but, subject to subsection (6), may be renewed on one or more occasions.

When application to be made

(6) An application for the renewal of an approval is to be made:

(a) within the period of 3 months immediately before the end of the period of approval; or

(b) if a Director of Quarantine consents, after the end of the period of approval.

Renewal given after expiry of approval to have retrospective effect

(7) If an approval is renewed at any time after the end of the period of approval, the period for which the renewed approval has effect is taken to have begun at the end of the period of the previous approval.

Offences for recklessly contravening conditions

(8) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) an approval was given to the person subject to a condition; and

(b) the condition is contravened; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Criteria for suspending or revoking approvals

(9) The grounds on which a Director of Quarantine may suspend or revoke an approval are:

(a) that any of the procedures (the procedures) carried out in relation to the goods at the approved place:

(i) cannot be carried out without an unacceptably high level of quarantine risk; or

(ii) cannot be carried out without a contravention of this Act; or

(iii) are not capable of being effectively monitored to determine whether this Act is being complied with; or

(iv) are of such a nature as will not enable the correctness of an oral or written statement made in connection with the application for the approval to be determined; or

(b) that the arrangements for the management and control of the place or the operational practices carried out at the place are not adequate, having regard to the nature of the goods, the procedures and the level of quarantine risk; or

(c) that the location of the place is not appropriate, or the construction of the premises, equipment or other facilities or the nature of the services provided at the place is not adequate, having regard to the nature of the goods, the procedures and the level of quarantine risk; or

(d) that the place is not sufficiently close to the nearest place where duties are regularly performed by quarantine officers who could appropriately be called upon to check whether this Act is being complied with in relation to the place and the goods; or

(e) that the applicant has not complied with any one or more of the procedures; or

(f) that a person who manages or controls, or is an occupier of, the place or is carrying out any of the procedures, has, subject to Part VIIC of the Crimes Act 1914, been convicted of:

(i) an offence against this Act; or

(ii) an offence against the Customs Act 1901 in relation to the importation or movement of, or an interference with, goods; or

(iii) an offence against any other law of the Commonwealth prescribed for the purposes of this section; or

(iv) an offence against any law of a State or a Territory prescribed for the purposes of this section; or

(g) that a condition to which the approval of the place is subject has been contravened; or

(h) any other matter that the Director thinks relevant.

Notice of suspension, variation or revocation

(10) If an approval is suspended, varied or revoked , written notice of the suspension, variation or revocation, stating the grounds for it, is to be given as soon as practicable to the person who applied for the approval.

Action to be taken if approval expires or is suspended or revoked

(11) If an approval expires, or is suspended or revoked, a Director of Quarantine:

(a) may, by written notice given to the person who applied for the approval, require the person to take, within a period stated in the notice:

(i) if the approval was an approval of a place—such action with respect to the place or goods at the place as is so stated; or

(ii) if the approval was an approval of a class of goods—such action with respect to goods of that class at the place as is so stated; and

(b) if the action is not taken within the stated period—may, by written notice given to another person who is able to take the action, direct the other person to take the action within a period stated in the notice.

Offence for failing to take action

(12) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a notice is given to the person under subsection (11); and

(b) the person fails to comply with the notice.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Application of section to renewal of approval

(13) This section applies to an application for, to the giving of, and to the suspension, variation or revocation of, the renewal of an approval in the same way as it applies to an application for, to the giving of, and to the suspension, variation or revocation of, an approval.

Definition

(14) In this section:

goods has the meaning given by subsection 5(1), and includes a vessel.

Interpretation

(15) Subsection (14) does not affect the meaning of goods in any other provision of this Act.

48 Goods ordered into quarantine

Power to detain goods

(1) A quarantine officer may direct that goods ordered into quarantine:

(a) are to be detained:

(i) on board the vessel or installation, or at the premises, where they are located at the time the direction is given; and

(ii) in such manner, and for such period, as a quarantine officer determines; or

(b) are to be taken to, and detained at, a quarantine station or other place in such manner, and for such period, as a quarantine officer determines; or

Power to treat goods

(2) A quarantine officer may:

(a) cause goods ordered into quarantine to be treated in such manner as he or she determines; or

(b) direct a person to cause the goods to be treated in a manner specified in the direction.

Direction as to movement etc. of goods

(3) A quarantine officer may give a direction to a person as to the extent (if any) to which goods that have been ordered into quarantine may be moved, dealt with or interfered with.

To whom direction may be given

(4) A direction under this section may be given to:

(a) the importer or owner of the goods; or

(b) if the goods are on board a vessel or installation—the master of the vessel or installation; or

Contravention of direction to be an offence

(5) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under this section; and

(b) the person contravenes the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Further detention of goods

(6) If, at the end of the period for which any goods have been detained at a vessel, installation, quarantine station or other place under subsection (1) or this subsection, a Director of Quarantine is of the opinion that the goods cannot be released without an unacceptably high level of quarantine risk, he or she may direct that the goods be detained at the vessel, installation, quarantine station or other place in such manner, and for such further period, as is stated in the direction.

Definition

(7) In this section:

quarantine station, in relation to any goods, includes a place approved under section 46A in respect of a class of goods in which the goods are included.

48AA Treatment and destruction of goods

Application

(1) This section applies to any goods that are required under this Act to be treated.

Power to destroy goods

(2) Subject to subsection (3), if a quarantine officer believes on reasonable grounds that the goods cannot be effectively treated, he or she may cause them to be destroyed.

Ministerial approval for destruction of goods

(3) If the value of any goods to which subsection (2) applies exceeds:

(a) unless paragraph (b) applies—$1,000; or

(b) if a higher amount is prescribed by the regulations—the higher amount;

the goods must not be destroyed without the written approval of the Minister.

Request to owner or agent to agree to treatment of goods

(4) If a quarantine officer believes on reasonable grounds that the goods cannot be effectively treated without damaging them, the quarantine officer must, by notice in writing given to the owner of the goods or the agent of the owner, tell the owner or agent that the treatment is likely to damage the goods and request the owner or agent to agree to the goods being treated.

Forfeiture of untreated goods

(5) If:

(a) a notice is given to the owner of goods or the agent of the owner under subsection (4); and

(b) the owner or agent does not, before the end of 30 days after the day on which the owner or agent receives the notice, give written notice to a Director of Quarantine stating that the owner or agent agrees to the goods being treated;

the goods are forfeited to the Commonwealth and a quarantine officer may seize them and cause them to be sold, destroyed, exported from Australia or otherwise disposed of.

48AB Treatment of things that have been exposed to animals that were subject to quarantine

Direction to treat animals or things exposed to an animal subject to quarantine

(1) If any animal, plant or other goods have been exposed to an animal at a time when the animal was subject to quarantine, a quarantine officer may direct a person referred to in subsection (2) to treat the animal, plant or other goods in a manner stated in the direction.

Note: For the circumstances in which any animal, plant or other goods are taken to have been exposed to an animal, see section 5B.

To whom direction may be given

(2) A direction under subsection (1) may be given to:

(a) the importer of the animal, plant or other goods; or

(b) a person who is in control of the animal, plant or other goods; or

(c) if the animal, plant or other goods have not been removed from the vessel or installation on which they were brought to Australia—the master of the vessel or installation.

Treatment of vehicle

(3) If a vehicle has been exposed to an animal at a time when the animal was subject to quarantine, a quarantine officer may direct:

(a) the owner of the vehicle; or

(b) the person in control of the vehicle;

to treat the vehicle in a manner stated in the direction.

Note: For the circumstances in which a vehicle is taken to have been exposed to an animal, see section 5B.

(3A) If a vehicle has been exposed to a quarantinable pest or a quarantinable disease, a quarantine officer may direct:

(a) the owner of the vehicle; or

(b) the person in control of the vehicle;

to treat the vehicle in a manner stated in the direction.

Treatment of premises

(4) If any premises (other than a vehicle) have been exposed to an animal or plant at a time when the animal or plant was subject to quarantine, a quarantine officer may direct:

(a) the owner of the premises; or

(b) if the owner is not the occupier of the premises—the occupier of the premises;

to treat the premises in a manner stated in the direction.

Note: For the circumstances in which premises are taken to have been exposed to an animal or plant, see section 5B.

(4A) If any premises (other than a vehicle) have been exposed to a quarantinable pest or a quarantinable disease, a quarantine officer may direct:

(a) the owner of the premises; or

(b) if the owner is not the occupier of the premises—the occupier of the premises;

to treat the premises in a manner stated in the direction.

Offence

(5) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under this section; and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Definition

(6) In this section:

subject to quarantine includes under quarantine surveillance.

48AC Diseased plant grown from another plant

(1) If a quarantinable disease is found in a plant (the relevant plant) that has been grown from another plant, or grown from a part of, or seed from, another plant, under this Act, a Director of Quarantine may cause, or may give a direction to an appropriate person to cause:

(a) the relevant plant or any part of that plant; or

(b) the soil in which the relevant plant was grown; or

(d) any plant or part of a plant, or any seed, imported together with the other plant or a seed from the other plant;

to be subjected to such treatment as the Director determines.

Note: See section 48AA, which allows goods that cannot be effectively treated to be destroyed in certain circumstances.

(2) In subsection (1):

appropriate person means the person in control of the plant, soil or seed to which the direction relates.

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under subsection (1); and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

48AD Packages, packing material and other waste material

(1) A Director of Quarantine may give to a person who:

(a) carries on the business of unloading overseas vessels at a place on a wharf or a place at an airport; or

(b) carries on the business of unpacking imported cargo at a place in respect of which a licence is in force under section 77G of the Customs Act 1901 or at a place approved under section 46A; or

a direction to treat, or to destroy or otherwise dispose of, any package, packing material or other waste material that is situated at that place.

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under subsection (1); and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

48A Abandoned goods may be destroyed

(1) If the owner of goods that are performing quarantine notifies a Director of Quarantine in writing that he or she does not wish to take possession of them, the goods are forfeited to the Commonwealth and a quarantine officer may cause them to be sold, destroyed, exported from Australia or otherwise disposed of.

(2) Where:

(a) a quarantine officer has notified the owner of goods ordered into quarantine that the goods may be released from quarantine and collected by the owner; and

(b) the owner has failed to collect the goods within 30 days after the date on which the notification was given;

the goods are forfeited to the Commonwealth and a quarantine officer may cause them to be sold, destroyed, exported from Australia or otherwise disposed of.

(3) If, after making reasonable inquiries, a quarantine officer has been unable to find out the identity or whereabouts of the owner of goods that are in quarantine and certifies in writing to that effect, the goods are forfeited to the Commonwealth and a quarantine officer may cause them to be sold, destroyed, exported from Australia or otherwise disposed of.

49 Unlawful damage by officers

(1) An officer must not do an act that results in the destruction of, or damage to, any goods under his or her charge in the performance of quarantine.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the officer is permitted by this Act or any other law to do the act in respect of the goods.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (2) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

Part V—Quarantine of animals and plants

52 Examination of animals on importation

(1) A person authorised by a Director of Quarantine may examine an imported animal that has not been released from quarantine.

(2) Subject to the regulations, where a quarantine officer is of the opinion that there is no reason to suspect that an animal:

(a) imported into Australia; or

(b) imported into the Cocos Islands otherwise than for the purpose of performing quarantine before being imported into Australia; or

(c) imported into Christmas Island otherwise than for the purpose of performing quarantine before being imported into Australia;

that has not been released from quarantine is suffering from any disease or is a source of infection of a disease, the quarantine officer may permit the animal to be delivered to the importer of the animal.

(3) Where, under subsection (2), a quarantine officer permits an animal to be delivered to the importer of the animal, the officer may release the animal from quarantine or release the animal under quarantine surveillance for such period as the Director of Quarantine determines.

(4) Where a quarantine officer does not permit an imported animal to be delivered to the importer of the animal under subsection (2), the officer shall order the animal into quarantine.

(5) An animal may be released from quarantine under quarantine surveillance unconditionally or subject to conditions notified by a quarantine officer to the importer of the animal when it is so released or at any time while it is under quarantine surveillance.

(5A) If an animal is released from quarantine under quarantine surveillance, a quarantine officer may give to the person to whom the animal is delivered directions about any one or more of the following:

(a) where the animal is to be kept;

(b) how it is to be kept;

(d) the people who may be given access to it and the times and manner of the access;

(e) whether it may be moved and, if so, the manner in which, and the place to which, it may be moved;

(f) examination of it;

(g) how it is to be treated;

(h) tests that may be carried out on it.

(5B) A direction given under subsection (5A) may be given when the animal is released or at any time while it is under quarantine surveillance.

(5C) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a condition is notified to the person under subsection (5) or a direction is given to the person under subsection (5A); and

(b) the person fails to comply with the condition or direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

(6) In this section:

animal means:

(a) a live animal; or

(b) viable animal material;

and includes the ovum, semen and embryo of an animal but does not include any other biological product.

biological product means goods that are, are produced from, or the production of which involves the use of, organisms or the tissue or body fluids of organisms, and includes vaccines and toxoids.

52A Examination of animals or plants on installations

(1) A person authorised by a Director of Quarantine may examine any animal or plant that is subject to quarantine and is on board an installation.

(2) A quarantine officer must:

(a) if he or she is of the opinion that there is an unacceptably high level of quarantine risk in respect of the animal or plant—order the animal or plant into quarantine; or

(b) otherwise—release the animal or plant from quarantine.

(5) In this section, animal has the same meaning as in section 52.

53 Examination of plants on importation

(1) A quarantine officer or an authorized person may examine any imported plant that has not been released from quarantine.

(2) A quarantine officer must:

(a) if he or she is of the opinion that there is an unacceptably high level of quarantine risk in respect of the plant—order the plant into quarantine; or

(b) otherwise—release the plant from quarantine.

54 Examination of imported animals and plants

(1) A quarantine officer or an authorized person may examine an imported animal or plant that has been released from quarantine.

(2) If, after the examination of an animal under subsection (1), a quarantine officer is of the opinion that the animal is suffering from a disease or is a source of infection of a disease, the officer may order the animal into quarantine.

(3) Where, after the examination of a plant under subsection (1), a quarantine officer is of the opinion that there is danger of the plant spreading a disease, the officer may order the plant into quarantine.

(4) In this section, animal has the same meaning as in section 52.

55A Power to order goods into quarantine

(1) A quarantine officer may:

(a) examine any goods to which this section applies; and

(b) order into quarantine any of the goods that, in the officer’s opinion:

(i) are, or are likely to be, infected with a disease or pest; or

(ii) contain, or appear to contain, any disease or pest; or

(iii) have been exposed to infection from a disease or pest.

(2) This section applies to:

(a) imported animals and plants, whether subject to quarantine or otherwise;

(aa) other imported goods, whether subject to quarantine or otherwise; and

(b) any other goods that have been or are, or that an officer has reasonable cause to believe have been or are, on board any of the following:

(i) an overseas vessel;

(ia) a vessel that travels to a place in Australia from or through a place in the Protected Zone;

(ib) a vessel that travels to a place in Australia from or through a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of Australia;

(ic) a vessel that travels to a place in the Cocos Islands from or through a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of the Cocos Islands;

(id) a vessel that travels to a place in Christmas Island from or through a Special Quarantine Zone in respect of Christmas Island;

(ii) an overseas installation;

(iii) an Australian vessel subject to quarantine;

(iv) a Cocos Islands vessel subject to quarantine;

(iva) a Christmas Island vessel subject to quarantine;

(v) an Australian resources installation, or a resources installation that is in Australian waters for the purpose of becoming attached to the Australian seabed, subject to quarantine;

(vi) an Australian sea installation, or a sea installation that is in Australian waters for the purpose of becoming installed in an adjacent area or in a coastal area, subject to quarantine.

Part VAA—Vector monitoring and control activities

55B Definitions

In this Part:

monitoring and control area means any of the following areas (but not any area to the extent that it is beyond the outer boundary of the coastal area):

(a) the area of a port;

(b) the area within a permissible distance from the outer boundary of a port;

(c) the area within a permissible distance from a place (other than a port) at which a vessel has landed, is moored or is berthed;

(d) an area in relation to which the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) there is a vector incursion within the permissible distance from the outer boundary of a port, or from a place referred to in paragraph (c);

(ii) a quarantine officer (human quarantine) has reasonable cause to suspect that the vector has, or may have, travelled beyond the permissible distance of that boundary or place;

(iii) the officer reasonably considers that carrying out vector monitoring and control activities in the area is necessary to ensure that the vector has not spread onto, or is not likely to become established in, that area.

permissible distance means 400 metres or such greater distance as is prescribed by regulations for the purpose of this definition.

private property means property (including premises) that is owned by, or under the control of, someone other than the Commonwealth.

vector monitoring and control activities has the meaning given by the regulations.

55C Vector monitoring and control activities (other than on private property)

A quarantine officer (human quarantine), and other persons acting under his or her supervision or control (if any), may, when necessary, carry out vector monitoring and control activities in a monitoring and control area. However, to enter onto private property that is, or is within, such an area and carry out vector monitoring and control activities, one of sections 55E to 55G must be satisfied.

55D Private property—direction to owner or controller to carry out vector monitoring and control activities

(1) The Director of Quarantine (Human Quarantine) or a Chief Quarantine Officer (Human Quarantine) may, in writing, direct a person who owns, or has control over, private property to carry out vector monitoring and control activities on the property if:

(a) the property is, or is within, a monitoring and control area; and

(b) the Director or Chief Quarantine Officer has reasonable grounds to believe that carrying out those activities on the property is necessary to ensure that a vector has not spread onto, or is not likely to become established on, the property.

(2) The person must comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the person has a reasonable excuse.

Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (3) (see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code).

55E Private property—power of quarantine officer (human quarantine) to carry out vector monitoring and control activities with consent

(1) A quarantine officer (human quarantine), and other persons acting under his or her supervision or control (if any), may enter onto private property and carry out vector monitoring and control activities if:

(a) the property is, or is within, a monitoring and control area; and

(b) a consent given by the person who owns or controls the property covers the officer and those other persons (if any) entering onto the property and carrying out those activities.

(2) A person’s consent is not effective for the purposes of this section unless, before giving the consent, a quarantine officer (human quarantine) informed the person that he or she could refuse to consent.

(3) A person’s consent is not effective for the purposes of this section unless the consent is voluntary.

55F Private property—power of quarantine officer (human quarantine) to carry out vector monitoring and control activities in emergency

A quarantine officer (human quarantine), and other persons acting under his or her supervision or control (if any), may enter onto private property and carry out vector monitoring and control activities if:

(a) the property is, or is within, a monitoring and control area; and

(b) a quarantine officer (human quarantine) has reasonable grounds to believe that the situation is of such seriousness and urgency as to justify carrying out the activities on the property without the consent of the person who owns or controls the property and without the authority of a warrant issued under section 55G.

55G Private property—power of quarantine officer (human quarantine) to carry out vector monitoring and control activities under warrant

Carrying out vector monitoring and control activities under warrant

(a) the property is, or is within, a monitoring and control area; and

(b) a warrant in force under this section authorises the quarantine officer (human quarantine), and those other persons (if any), to enter onto the property and carry out the activities.

Application for warrant

(2) A quarantine officer (human quarantine) may apply to a magistrate for a warrant under this section in relation to particular private property.

Issue of warrant

(3) The magistrate may issue the warrant if the magistrate is satisfied, by information on oath, that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that:

(a) the property is, or is within, a monitoring and control area; and

(b) entering onto the property and carrying out the activities is necessary to ensure that a vector has not spread onto, or is not likely to become established on, the property.

(4) However, the magistrate must not issue the warrant unless the officer or some other person has given to the magistrate, either orally or by affidavit, such further information (if any) as the magistrate requires concerning the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought.

Content of warrant

(5) The warrant must:

(a) authorise a named quarantine officer (human quarantine), and other persons under the supervision or control of the officer (to the extent that the magistrate considers it appropriate for the warrant to cover such other persons):

(i) to enter onto the property; and

(ii) to carry out vector monitoring and control activities either generally, or as specified in the warrant; and

(b) specify the day (not more than 7 days after the issue of the warrant) on which the warrant ceases to have effect; and

(c) state whether the entry and carrying out of activities is authorised to be made at any time of the day or night or during specified hours of the day or night.

(6) Paragraph (5)(b) does not prevent the issue of successive warrants in relation to the same property.

(7) If the application for the warrant is made under section 66AH, this section applies as if paragraph (5)(b) referred to 48 hours rather than 7 days.

Note: Section 66AH provides for warrants to be granted by telephone or other electronic means.

Part VA—Automated entry processing and release of imported goods

56 Automated entry processing and release of imported goods

Electronic notice

(1) An electronic notice under this section may be given to:

(a) a person who has imported goods that have not been released from quarantine; or

(b) an agent of such a person.

(2) The notice may do one or more of the following:

(a) order the goods into quarantine;

(b) release the goods from quarantine;

(c) require the person to whom the notice is given (the recipient) to cause the goods to be treated in a manner specified in the notice;

(d) require the recipient to leave the goods at a place specified in the notice;

(e) require the recipient to move the goods to a place specified in the notice;

(f) set out the extent (if any) to which the recipient may deal with or interfere with the goods.

However, if the notice orders the goods into quarantine, the notice must also do one or more of the things mentioned in paragraphs (c) to (f).

Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine taken to have given the notice

(3) If a notice is given to a person under subsection (1), the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine is taken to have given the notice.

Operation of the computer program

(4) The Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the computer program concerned does not result in electronic notices ordering goods into quarantine unless there are reasonable grounds to believe there is an unacceptably high level of quarantine risk in respect of the goods.

Offences

(5) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a notice is given to the person under subsection (1) that orders goods into quarantine and does one or more of the things mentioned in paragraphs (2)(c) to (f); and

(b) the person contravenes a requirement in the notice; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

(6) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a notice is given to the person under subsection (1) that does one or more of the things mentioned in paragraphs (2)(c) to (f) (but does not order the goods into quarantine); and

(b) the person contravenes a requirement in the notice.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Later electronic notices

(7) An electronic notice given under this section may vary or revoke an earlier electronic notice given under this section.

(8) If an electronic notice given under this section is inconsistent with an earlier electronic notice given under this section, the earlier notice is, to the extent of the inconsistency, of no effect.

This section in addition to other powers

(9) This section is in addition to any power of a quarantine officer under this Act.

Orders or directions under other provisions prevail

(10) If an order or direction given by a quarantine officer under this Act is inconsistent with an electronic notice, the notice is, to the extent of the inconsistency, of no effect.

Definitions

(11) In this section:

electronic notice means an electronic notice generated as a result of the operation of a computer program under the control of the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine.

Part VI—Expenses

Division 1—Interpretation

58A Interpretation

In this Part, a reference to a vessel shall, unless the contrary intention appears, be read as including a reference to an installation.

Division 2—Expenses of quarantine

58B Prescribed health measures provided in relation to travellers

This Division has effect subject to Division 3 (charges for the provision of prescribed health measures in relation to travellers).

59 Liability of owner etc. for expenses of quarantine

(1) The master, owner, and agent, of any vessel ordered into quarantine, or of any vessel from which any person is removed to perform quarantine, shall severally be responsible for:

(a) the removal of the passengers and crew to the quarantine station;

(b) the care and maintenance of the passengers and crew while detained at the quarantine station;

(d) the medical surveillance of persons released under quarantine surveillance;

(e) the provision of such medical, nursing and other attendance on the vessel and at the quarantine station for or in respect of the vessel as the Minister considers necessary; and

(f) the provision of such launch and patrol services and such supervision as the Minister considers necessary to ensure the satisfactory performance of quarantine by the vessel and the persons and goods thereon;

and shall supply, to the satisfaction of the Minister, all such service, attendance, meals, and other things as are required for those purposes, including domestic and laundry service, medicines, medical comforts, nursing, and attendance for the sick.

(2) The master, owner, or agent, of the vessel may arrange with the Minister for the carrying out of any responsibility under this section and for the payment of the expenses thereof, but in any case the Minister may take action if he or she thinks it necessary to do so, and any expense incurred must, at the Minister’s request, be paid by the master, owner, or agent, of the vessel to the Commonwealth.

Provided that the Governor‑General may direct that, as regards any vessel trading exclusively:

(a) between Australian ports; or

(aa) between Australian ports and Australian installations; or

(ab) between Australian ports and Australian resources installations; or

(ac) between Australian ports and Australian sea installations; or

(b) between ports in the Cocos Islands; or

(ba) between ports in Christmas Island; or

(d) between Australia and Fiji; or

(e) between Australia and the Cocos Islands; or

(ea) between Australia and Christmas Island; or

(eb) between the Cocos Islands and Christmas Island; or

(f) between Australia and another place adjacent to Australia;

the expenses of carrying out any responsibility under this section shall be borne by the Commonwealth, and, upon the issue of such direction, the master, owner and agent of any vessel to which the direction relates shall be exempt from liability for the expenses of carrying out that responsibility:

Provided further that the Governor‑General may direct that the expenses of overland passengers arising out of regulations relating to human quarantine may be borne by the Commonwealth.

(3) A passenger shall not be liable to compensate the master, owner, or agent for any cost incurred by the master, owner, or agent under this section, and any contract or stipulation purporting to impose any such liability upon him or her shall to that extent be null and void.

59A Liability for costs of pilotage, treatment etc.

(1) The master and owner of any vessel ordered into quarantine, or ordered to be treated, are jointly and severally liable to pay to the Commonwealth the cost of:

(a) the piloting or towing of the vessel; or

(b) the removal of cargo or other goods or things from the vessel; or

(2) Subject to subsection 63AA(1), if:

(a) a vessel is ordered into quarantine or ordered to be treated; and

(b) a person is the agent of the master or owner of the vessel at the time when a service is provided as a result of the vessel’s having been so ordered into quarantine or ordered to be so treated;

that agent is liable to pay to the Commonwealth, on behalf of that master or owner, the expenses connected with the performance of that service.

59B Security for carrying out responsibilities

Before permitting any persons, goods, personal effects, or things to leave or be removed from a vessel ordered into quarantine, the quarantine officer may require the master, owner, or agent, of the vessel to give security to the satisfaction of the quarantine officer that all responsibilities under this Part of the master, owner, and agent, of the vessel in respect of those persons, goods, personal effects, or things shall be faithfully carried out.

63 Owners of vessel quarantined liable for services of medical officer

(1) When a vessel is ordered into quarantine, the Minister may:

(a) appoint a medical officer to take charge of the crew and passengers of the vessel while in quarantine; and

(b) fix the amount of remuneration to be paid to the medical officer for his or her services.

Such remuneration shall be paid by the owners of the vessel to the Commonwealth.

(2) Subject to subsection 63AA(1), if:

(a) the Minister appoints a medical officer to take charge of the crew and passengers of a vessel while in quarantine; and

(b) the Minister fixes the amount of remuneration to be paid to the medical officer for his or her services; and

that agent is liable to pay to the Commonwealth, on behalf of that owner, the remuneration so fixed.

63A Provision of sustenance for animals in quarantine

(1) The owner of an animal held, or to be held, in a quarantine station may agree with the Commonwealth, on such terms and conditions as are set out in the agreement, to provide sustenance for the animal during the period, or a part of the period, while the animal is so held.

(2) A Director of Quarantine may, by notice given to the owner of an animal ordered into quarantine, direct the owner to provide sustenance for the animal during the period, or a part of the period, while the animal is so held.

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) a direction is given to the person under subsection (2); and

(b) the person fails to comply with the direction.

Maximum penalty: 50 penalty units.

63AA Additional provisions concerning agent’s liability under section 59A or 63

(1) If the master or owner of a vessel has met the liability to the Commonwealth:

(a) under subsection 59A(1) in respect of expenses connected with the performance of a service referred to in paragraph 59A(1)(a), (b) or (c); or

(b) under subsection 63(1) in respect of remuneration to be paid to a medical officer appointed by the Minister;

the liability of the agent of that master or owner is thereby discharged.

(2) The liability of an agent of a master or owner to make a payment to the Commonwealth on behalf of the master or owner:

(a) in respect of expenses connected with the performance of a service referred to in paragraph 59A(1)(a), (b) or (c); or

(b) in respect of remuneration to be paid to a medical officer appointed by the minister under subsection 63(1);

is not affected by the fact that, at the time the payment is required to be made, the agent had not recovered an amount equivalent to those expenses or that remuneration from the master or owner.

(3) If:

(a) the agent of a master or owner makes a payment to the Commonwealth on behalf of the master or owner:

(i) in respect of expenses connected with the performance of a service referred to in paragraph 59A(1)(a), (b) or (c); or

(ii) in respect of remuneration to be paid to a medical officer appointed by the Minister under subsection 63(1); and

(b) at the time when the payment is made, the agent had not collected an amount equivalent to those expenses or that remuneration from the master or owner;

the agent may recover such an amount from the master or owner as a debt due to the agent.

64 Quarantine expenses in case of animals and plants

(1) The importer and owner of any animals, plants or other goods that are subject to quarantine or are under quarantine surveillance are jointly and severally liable to pay to the Commonwealth any expenses connected with:

(a) the examination of the animals, plants or other goods; or

(b) their transportation; or

(d) their removal, disposal and destruction under a power conferred, or an order or direction given, under this Act;

and those expenses are a charge upon the animals, plants or other goods and may be recovered as provided in Division 4.

(1AA) Subject to subsection (1AB), if:

(a) animals, plants or other goods are subject to quarantine or are under quarantine surveillance; and

(b) a person is the agent of the importer or owner of those animals, plants or other goods at the time when a service referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b), (c) or (d) is provided as a result of those animals, plants or other goods being subject to quarantine or under quarantine surveillance;

the agent must pay to the Commonwealth, on behalf of the importer or owner, any expenses connected with the performance of that service in respect of those animals, plants or other goods.

(1AB) If the importer or owner has met the liability to the Commonwealth under subsection (1) in respect of any expenses connected with the performance of a service referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b), (c) or (d), the liability of the agent of the importer or owner is thereby discharged.

(1AC) The liability of an agent of an importer or owner to make a payment to the Commonwealth on behalf of the importer or owner in respect of any expenses connected with the performance of a service referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b), (c) or (d) is not affected by the fact that, at the time when the payment is required to be made, the agent has not recovered an amount equivalent to those expenses from the importer or owner.

(1AD) If:

(a) in accordance with subsection (1AA), the agent for an importer or owner makes a payment to the Commonwealth on behalf of the importer or owner in respect of any expenses connected with the performance of a service referred to in paragraph (1)(a), (b), (c) or (d); and

(b) at the time when the payment is made, the agent has not collected an amount equivalent to those expenses from the importer or owner;

the agent may recover such an amount from the importer or owner as a debt due to the agent.

(1A) The owner, or any person who is in control, of any animals, plants or other goods that are required to be examined, transported, detained, maintained, treated, moved, removed, disposed of or destroyed as mentioned in subsection (1) may, with the permission of a quarantine officer, provide at the expense of the owner or that person any cartage or labour required in respect of the carrying out of the requirement.

(2) A quarantine officer may refuse to grant a permit for the landing or removal of any animals or plants or goods until security is given to his or her satisfaction for payment of the expenses payable to the Commonwealth under this section.

(3) If expenses are payable under this section in respect of animals, plants or goods, the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine may, in writing, direct that the animals, plants or goods must not be released from quarantine until:

(a) the expenses have been paid to the Commonwealth; or

(b) the owner of the animals, plants or goods, or the agent of that owner, has entered into an agreement with the Commonwealth for the payment of the expenses and has taken any action required by the agreement as a condition for the release of the animals, plants or goods.

(4) Without limiting the matters that may be included in an agreement mentioned in paragraph (3)(b), an agreement may require the owner of the animals, plants or goods concerned or the agent of that owner to do either or both of the following:

(a) pay interest at a rate not exceeding 20% per year on the amount of the expenses from time to time owing to the Commonwealth in respect of the animals, plants or goods;

(b) give security for the payment of the expenses and interest (if any) owing to the Commonwealth in respect of the animals, plants or goods.

(5) A person must not release animals, plants or goods from quarantine in contravention of a direction under subsection (3).

Division 3—Charges for the provision of prescribed health measures in relation to travellers

64A Definition of prescribed health measure

Definition of prescribed health measure

(1) For the purposes of this Act, a prescribed health measure, in relation to a traveller, is a health measure referred to in subsection (2) that is provided by, for or on behalf of the Commonwealth under:

(a) this Act; or

(b) the Migration Act 1958; or

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the health measures are the following:

(a) a medical examination to ascertain the health status of the traveller;

(b) subject to subsection (3), a vaccination or other prophylaxis provided to the traveller on arrival in Australia;

(c) a restriction of the activities of the traveller, or the segregation or isolation of the traveller, for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease;

(d) the issuing to the traveller of a certificate that specifies:

(i) that a prescribed health measure referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (e) was provided in relation to the traveller; and

(ii) the date on which that measure was provided;

(e) a health measure applied to the personal effects of the traveller.

Notification requirements for vaccinations etc.

(3) A vaccination or other prophylaxis provided on a certain day to a traveller on arrival in Australia is not a prescribed health measure in relation to the traveller if, at least 10 days before that day, a notice published on the website of the Department that deals with human quarantine stated that such travellers would be required to submit themselves to such a vaccination or other prophylaxis.

Treatments and benefits for travellers in isolation etc.

(4) If, for the purpose of preventing the spread of disease, a traveller’s activities are restricted, or the traveller is segregated or isolated, as described in paragraph (2)(c), none of the following is a prescribed health measure in relation to the traveller:

(a) any treatment (other than treatment referred to in paragraph (2)(a), (b) or (e)) provided in relation to the traveller:

(i) for the disease; or

(ii) for any other medical condition;

(b) any other benefit provided to the traveller solely for his or her benefit.

64B Traveller definitions

Travellers

(1) For the purposes of this Act, a person is a traveller if:

(a) the person has entered Australia while undertaking a voyage from another country; and

(b) none of the following applies:

(i) subject to subsection (2), the person has been immigration cleared (within the meaning of subsection 172(1) of the Migration Act 1958);

(ii) the person has been detained under section 189 of that Act;

(iii) the person has left Australia;

(iv) the person is prescribed by the regulations.

Note: The regulations may prescribe the person by reference to a class of persons (see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003).

(2) Subparagraph (1)(b)(i) does not apply in relation to a person who has been immigration cleared (within the meaning of subsection 172(1) of the Migration Act 1958) if:

(a) before the person was immigration cleared, the person was notified that he or she would be required to submit to the provision of a prescribed health measure as soon as practicable after being immigration cleared; and

(b) the person submits to the provision of the prescribed health measure as soon as practicable after being immigration cleared; and

Temporary residence and permanent residence

(3) For the purposes of the International Health Regulations and this Act, a traveller is seeking temporary residence or permanent residence in Australia unless:

(a) the traveller is an Australian citizen under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007; or

(b) the traveller is in Australia for transit purposes only; or

Note: The regulations may prescribe the traveller by reference to a class of travellers (see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003).

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (3)(b), a traveller is in Australia for transit purposes only if the traveller:

(a) is not required to comply with section 166 of the Migration Act 1958 (immigration clearance); and

(b) holds:

(i) a confirmed onward booking to leave Australia to travel to another country within 8 hours of arrival; and

(ii) documentation necessary to enter the country of his or her destination; and

Note: The regulations may prescribe the traveller by reference to a class of travellers (see subsection 13(3) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003).

64C Charges for the provision of prescribed health measures in relation to travellers

Travellers not seeking temporary residence or permanent residence

(1) If a traveller is not seeking temporary residence or permanent residence in Australia, no person (other than the Commonwealth) is liable, under any law of the Commonwealth, to pay for the provision of a prescribed health measure in relation to the traveller.

Note 1: If the traveller entered Australia as a member of the crew of a vessel, subsection (1) does not preclude the seeking of reimbursement from the master, owner, or agent, of the vessel for expenses incurred in providing the prescribed health measure (see subsection (3)).

Note 2: Subsection (1) does not preclude the seeking of reimbursement from an applicable insurance source for expenses incurred in providing the prescribed health measure (see subsection (3)).

Travellers seeking temporary residence or permanent residence

(2) If a traveller is seeking temporary residence or permanent residence in Australia, no person (other than the Commonwealth) is liable, under any law of the Commonwealth, to pay for the provision of a prescribed health measure in relation to the traveller if the liability does not conform to a tariff in force under section 64D in relation to the prescribed health measure.

Note 1: If the traveller entered Australia as a member of the crew of a vessel, subsection (2) does not preclude the seeking of reimbursement from the master, owner, or agent, of the vessel for expenses incurred in providing the prescribed health measure (see subsection (3)).

Note 2: Subsection (2) does not preclude the seeking of reimbursement from an applicable insurance source for expenses incurred in providing the prescribed health measure (see subsection (3)).

Reimbursement of expenses from masters, owners, agents and applicable insurance sources

(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), a person is not precluded from seeking reimbursement for expenses incurred in providing a prescribed health measure in relation to a traveller:

(a) if the traveller entered Australia as a member of the crew of a vessel—from the master, owner, or agent, of the vessel; or

(b) in any case—from an applicable insurance source.

Definitions

(4) In this section:

applicable insurance source has the same meaning as in Article 40 of the International Health Regulations.

member of the crew of a vessel includes the master of the vessel.

64D Tariff of amounts payable for prescribed health measures

(1) The Minister may, by legislative instrument, make a tariff setting the amount payable for the provision of a prescribed health measure in relation to a traveller who is seeking temporary residence or permanent residence in Australia.

Note: For the effect of a tariff, see subsection 64C(2).

(2) The amount set must not exceed the actual cost of the provision of the prescribed health measure.

(3) A tariff must not take effect before the tenth day after it is registered under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.

Division 4—Recovery of expenses

65 Expenses to be a charge upon vessel

(1) Any expenses or charges payable to the Commonwealth under this Part, by the owner or agent of any vessel, shall be a charge upon the vessel, and the vessel may be detained by an officer until the expenses are paid.

(2) While a vessel is detained under subsection (1), a person does not have the power of seizure provided for by section 123 of the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 in relation to the vessel.

66 Recovery of expenses

Any expenses or charges payable to the Commonwealth under this Part may be recovered by action in a court of competent jurisdiction as a debt due to the Commonwealth.

66A Sale of animals, plants or goods to recover expenses

(1) If:

(a) animals, plants or goods have performed quarantine but have not been released from quarantine; and

(b) expenses are payable under section 64 in respect of the animals, plants or goods;

the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine may give the owner of the animals, plants or goods a notice under subsection (2).

(2) A notice must be in writing and advise the owner that the animals, plants or goods may be sold if expenses under section 64 are payable in respect of the animals, plants or goods at the end of 30 days after the notice is given to the owner.

(3) If, at the end of 30 days after a notice is given to the owner, expenses under section 64 in respect of the animals, plants or goods are payable, the Commonwealth may:

(a) sell the animals, plants or goods; and

(b) give full and effective title to the animals, plants or goods free of all encumbrances and interests.

(4) For the purpose of effecting a sale of the animals, plants or goods, the Director of Animal and Plant Quarantine may, on behalf of the Commonwealth:

(a) take possession of the animals, plants or goods; and

(b) make and execute all necessary instruments and documents.

(5) The proceeds of sale are to be applied against the expenses of the sale and the expenses payable under section 64 in respect of the animals, plants or goods, and any amount not so applied is to be paid to the owner.

(6) Nothing in this section affects the right of the Commonwealth to recover expenses by other means.

Part VIA—Enforcement

Division 1—General powers

66AA General powers of quarantine officers in relation to premises

Nature of powers

(1) The powers that a quarantine officer may exercise under paragraph 66AB(1)(b), subparagraph 66AC(4)(a)(ii) or paragraph 66AE(1)(b) or 66AG(1)(b) in relation to particular premises are as follows:

(a) to search the premises and any thing on the premises;

(b) to examine any thing on the premises;

(c) to take photographs (including video or audio recordings) or to make sketches of the premises or any thing on the premises;

(d) to take extracts from, or make copies of, any document on the premises;

(e) to secure the premises or any thing on the premises;

(f) if tests are to be carried out on samples taken of any thing on the premises and the quarantine officer thinks it is necessary to do so, to remove the samples from the premises for the purpose of conducting the tests;

(g) to order into quarantine any infected goods found on the premises;

(h) if the quarantine officer has reasonable grounds to suspect that infected goods have been or are on the premises—to carry out prescribed measures for regulating or preventing people, vehicles or goods from entering or leaving the premises, or prescribed measures of quarantine on or relating to the premises, during:

(i) the search referred to in paragraph (a) and the examination referred to in paragraph (b); and

(ii) the taking of samples of goods found on the premises or the conducting of tests on such samples; and

(iii) any period for which infected goods found on the premises remain on the premises, whether because of an approval of the premises under section 46A or otherwise; and

(iv) such period after the treatment of infected goods found on the premises as the quarantine officer considers, on reasonable grounds, to be a period during which there is a danger of the spread of diseases or pests because of those goods having been on the premises;

(i) to affix on or near the premises notices in relation to quarantine that have been approved by a Director of Quarantine;

(j) to trap or destroy animals on the premises;

(k) to exercise any other powers that the quarantine officer has under this Act in respect of the premises or infected goods found on the premises.

Powers in respect of vehicles

(2) If, while a quarantine officer is entitled to exercise powers referred to in subsection (1) in relation to premises, any vehicle leaves the premises without the permission of the quarantine officer, the quarantine officer may exercise those powers, so far as relevant, in relation to the vehicle as if it were part of the premises.

Extension of meaning of exposed

(3) For the purposes of this section, but without affecting the operation of section 5B:

(a) an animal is taken to have been exposed to any animal of which it is the progeny; and

(b) a plant is taken to have been exposed to any plant of which it is the progeny, including any plant of which it was a cutting or from which it was otherwise derived.

Prescribed measures

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(h):

(a) each of the following is a prescribed measure for regulating or preventing people, vehicles or goods from entering or leaving the premises:

(i) stopping a person or vehicle;

(ii) prohibiting a person from proceeding, moving goods, or driving or moving a vehicle, beyond a specified point or outside a specified area;

(iii) prohibiting a person from entering, moving goods, or driving or moving a vehicle, into a specified area;

(iv) requiring a person to proceed, move goods, or drive or move a vehicle, along a specified route or to a specified area;

(v) removing a person, a vehicle or goods from any area; and

(b) each of the following is a prescribed measure of quarantine:

(i) treating any person, premises or goods;

(ii) requiring a person to treat himself or herself or any clothes that he or she is wearing or has in his or her possession;

(iii) isolating people, premises or goods;

(iv) examining an animal for the purpose of determining whether it is infected with a disease or pest;

(v) detaining an animal for the purpose of examining it as mentioned in subparagraph (iv);

(vi) detaining any goods for the purpose of carrying out any treatment in relation to a disease or pest.

Infected goods

(5) In this section:

infected goods means any of the following goods:

(a) goods infected with a quarantinable disease or quarantinable pest;

(b) goods that a quarantine officer suspects, on reasonable grounds, are likely to be infected with a quarantinable disease or a quarantinable pest;

(ba) goods that are quarantinable pests or quarantinable diseases;

(bb) goods that a quarantine officer suspects, on reasonable grounds, to be quarantinable pests or quarantinable diseases;

(d) goods that have been:

(i) imported into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; or

(ii) brought into, or landed at, any port or other place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; or

(iii) removed from a part of Australia to another part of Australia; or

(iv) removed from a part of the Cocos Islands to another part of the Cocos Islands; or

(v) removed from Australia to the Cocos Islands; or

(vi) removed from the Cocos Islands to Australia;

(vii) removed from the Cocos Islands to Christmas Island; or

(viii) removed from a part of Christmas Island to another part of Christmas Island; or

(ix) removed from Australia to Christmas Island; or

(x) removed from Christmas Island to Australia; or

(xi) removed from Christmas Island to the Cocos Islands;

in contravention of this Act;

(e) goods that have been exposed to, or that a quarantine officer suspects, on reasonable grounds, have been exposed to, goods referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d).

Division 2—Monitoring powers

66AB The monitoring of premises

(1) For the purpose of deciding whether to exercise a power under this Act or finding out whether this Act is being complied with, a quarantine officer, at any time and with any necessary help, may:

(a) enter:

(i) any premises approved for the purposes of a provision of this Act; or

Note: For premises that have been approved, see for example subsection 44A(5) and section 46A.

(ii) a quarantine station; or

(iii) any premises at which procedures are authorised under a compliance agreement to be carried out; or

(iv) any other premises with the consent of the occupier; and

(b) exercise the powers set out in section 66AA.

(2) If the relevant premises are a vessel or a vehicle, a quarantine officer may stop and detain the vessel or vehicle for the purpose of exercising a power conferred by subsection (1).

(3) For the purpose of examining domestic animals in the Cocos Islands, or in Christmas Island, a quarantine officer, at any time and with any necessary help, may:

(a) enter any premises on the Cocos Islands or on Christmas Island, as the case may be, with the consent of the occupier; and

(b) search the premises for domestic animals; and

(i) cause an examination of the animal and of the premises to be carried out to ensure that the animal is healthy and the premises are clean and free from infection; and

(ii) take whatever measures are required to improve the health of the animal, including the treatment of the animal; and

(iii) take whatever measures are required to treat the premises; and

(iv) give to any person on the premises any directions that the quarantine officer considers necessary to enable him or her to exercise the powers referred to in subparagraphs (i), (ii) and (iii).

66AC Monitoring warrants

(1) A quarantine officer may apply to a magistrate for a warrant under this section in relation to particular premises.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the magistrate may issue a warrant if satisfied, by information on oath or affirmation, that it is reasonably necessary that the quarantine officer should have access to the premises for the purpose of:

(a) deciding whether to exercise a power under this Act; or

(b) finding out:

(i) whether this Act has been complied with; and

(ii) if the premises are in the Cocos Islands or in Christmas Island—whether any domestic animals are on the premises.

(3) The magistrate must not issue a warrant unless the quarantine officer or another person has given the magistrate, either orally (on oath or affirmation) or by affidavit, such further information as the magistrate requires about the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought.

(4) The warrant must:

(a) authorise a quarantine officer named in the warrant, with such assistance and by such force as is necessary and reasonable, from time to time, while the warrant remains in force:

(i) to enter the premises; and

(ii) to exercise powers of the kind set out in section 66AA in relation to the premises; and

(iii) if the premises are in the Cocos Islands or in Christmas Island—to exercise the powers referred to in paragraphs 66AB(3)(b) and (c) in relation to the premises; and

(b) state whether an entry under the warrant is authorised to be made at any time of the day or night or during specified hours of the day or night; and

(c) specify the day (not more than 6 months after the day on which the warrant is issued) on which the warrant ceases to have effect; and

(d) state the purpose for which the warrant is issued.

66AD Seizures without offence‑related warrant in emergency situations

(1) This section applies when a quarantine officer has entered premises under section 66AB or under a warrant issued under section 66AC.

(2) If the quarantine officer suspects, on reasonable grounds, that:

(a) particular evidential material is on the premises; and

(b) it is necessary to seize the evidential material in order to prevent it from being concealed, lost or destroyed; and

(c) it is necessary to do so without the authority of a warrant under section 66AF because the circumstances are serious and urgent;

the quarantine officer may seize the evidential material if he or she finds it there.

Division 3—Offence‑related searches and seizures

(1) Subject to subsection (2), if a quarantine officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that there may be, on any premises, particular evidential material, the officer, at any time and with any necessary help, may:

(a) enter the premises; and

(b) exercise the powers set out in section 66AA; and

(2) A quarantine officer is not authorised to enter premises under subsection (1) unless:

(a) the premises are:

(i) premises approved for the purposes of a provision of this Act; or

Note: For premises that have been approved, see for example subsection 44A(5) and section 46A.

(ii) a quarantine station; or

(iii) premises at which procedures are authorised under a compliance agreement to be carried out; or

(b) the occupier of the premises has consented to the entry.

(3) If the relevant premises are a vessel or vehicle, a quarantine officer may stop and detain the vessel or vehicle for the purpose of exercising a power conferred by subsection (1).

66AF Offence‑related warrants

(1) A quarantine officer may apply to a magistrate for a warrant under this section in relation to particular premises.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), a magistrate may issue the warrant if satisfied, by information on oath or affirmation, that there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is, or may be within the next 72 hours, any evidential material at the premises.

(3) A magistrate must not issue a warrant unless the quarantine officer or some other person has given the magistrate, either orally (on oath or affirmation) or by affidavit, such further information as the magistrate requires about the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought.

(4) The warrant must:

(a) state the offence to which the warrant relates; and

(b) describe the premises to which the warrant relates; and

(d) state the name of the quarantine officer who is to be responsible for executing the warrant; and

(e) state the period for which the warrant remains in force, which must not be more than 7 days; and

(f) state whether the warrant may be executed at any time of the day or night or only during specified hours of the day or night.

(5) The warrant must also state that the warrant authorises the seizure of a thing (other than evidential material of the kind referred to in paragraph (4)(c)) found at the premises in the course of the search that the executing officer or an officer assisting believes on reasonable grounds to be:

(a) evidential material in relation to an offence to which the warrant relates; or

(b) evidential material in relation to another offence against this Act;

if the executing officer or an officer assisting believes on reasonable grounds that seizure of the thing is necessary to prevent its concealment, loss or destruction or its use in committing an offence against this Act.

(6) Paragraph (4)(e) does not prevent the issue of successive warrants in relation to the same premises.

(7) If the application for the warrant is made under section 66AH, this section applies as if:

(a) subsection (2) referred to 48 hours rather than 72 hours; and

(b) paragraph (4)(e) referred to 48 hours rather than 7 days.

66AG The things that are authorised by a search warrant

(1) A warrant under this Division that is in force in relation to premises authorises the executing officer or an officer assisting:

(a) to enter the premises; and

(b) to exercise the powers set out in section 66AA; and

(c) to search the premises and any thing on the premises for the kinds of evidential material specified in the warrant, and to seize things of those kinds found at the premises; and

(d) to seize other things found at the premises in the course of the search that the executing officer or an officer assisting believes on reasonable grounds to be:

(i) evidential material in relation to an offence to which the warrant relates; or

(ii) evidential material in relation to another offence against this Act;

(2) If the warrant states that it may be executed only during particular hours, the warrant must not be executed outside those hours.

(3) If things are seized under a warrant, the warrant authorises the executing officer to make the things available to officers of other agencies if it is necessary to do so for the purpose of investigating or prosecuting an offence to which the things relate.

Division 4—Warrants granted by telephone or other electronic means

66AH Warrants may be granted by telephone or other electronic means

(1) A quarantine officer may apply to a magistrate for a warrant under section 55G, 66AC or 66AF by telephone, facsimile or other electronic means:

(a) in an urgent case; or

(b) if the delay that would occur if an application were made in person would frustrate the effective execution of the warrant.

(2) The magistrate may require voice communication to the extent that it is practicable in the circumstances.

(3) An application under this section must include all information required to be provided in an ordinary application for a warrant under section 55G, 66AC or 66AF, as the case requires, but the application may, if necessary, be made before the information is sworn or affirmed.

(4) If a magistrate to whom an application is made under this section is satisfied:

(a) after having considered the information mentioned in subsection (3); and

(b) after having received any further information that the magistrate requires about the grounds on which the issue of the warrant is being sought;

that there are reasonable grounds for issuing the warrant, the magistrate may complete and sign the same form of warrant as would be issued under section 55G, 66AC or 66AF, as the case requires.

(5) If a magistrate signs a warrant under subsection (4):

(a) the magistrate must notify the quarantine officer, by telephone, facsimile or other electronic means, of the terms of the warrant and the date on which and the time at which it was signed, and write on it the reasons for granting it; and

(b) the officer must complete a form of warrant in the terms notified to the officer by the magistrate and write on it the name of the magistrate and the date on which and the time at which it was signed.

(6) If a quarantine officer completes a form of warrant under subsection (5), the officer must, not later than the day after the day on which the warrant ceased to be in force or was executed, whichever is the earlier, give or send to the magistrate who signed the warrant the form of warrant completed by the officer and, if the information mentioned in subsection (3) was not sworn or affirmed, that information duly sworn or affirmed.

(7) The magistrate must attach to the documents provided under subsection (6) the warrant signed by the magistrate.

(8) A form of warrant that has been duly completed by a quarantine officer under subsection (5), and is in accordance with the terms of the warrant signed by the magistrate, is authority for any entry, search, seizure, or other exercise of power, that the warrant so signed authorises.

(9) If:

(a) it is material, in any proceedings, for a court to be satisfied that an exercise of power was authorised under this section; and

(b) the warrant signed by the magistrate under this section authorising the exercise of power is not produced in evidence;

the court must assume, unless the contrary is proved, that the exercise of power was not authorised by such a warrant.

Division 5—Stopping and searching vessels or vehicles

66AI Searches without warrant in emergency situations

(1) This section applies if a quarantine officer suspects, on reasonable grounds, that:

(a) particular evidential material is in or on a vessel or vehicle; and

(b) it is necessary to exercise a power under subsection (2) in order to prevent the evidential material being concealed, lost or destroyed; and

(c) it is necessary to exercise the power without the authority of a warrant under section 66AF because the circumstances are serious and urgent.

(2) The quarantine officer may:

(a) stop and detain the vessel or vehicle; and

(b) search the vessel or vehicle and any thing in or on it for the evidential material; and

(3) If, in the course of searching for the evidential material, the quarantine officer finds other evidential material, the officer may seize the other evidential material if he or she suspects, on reasonable grounds, that:

(a) it is necessary to seize it in order to prevent its concealment, loss or destruction; and

(b) it is necessary to seize it without the authority of a warrant under section 66AF because the circumstances are serious and urgent.

(4) The quarantine officer must exercise his or her powers subject to section 66AJ.

66AJ How a quarantine officer exercises a power under section 66AI

When a quarantine officer exercises a power under section 66AI in relation to a vessel or vehicle, he or she:

(a) may use such assistance as is necessary; and

(b) must search the vessel or vehicle in a public place or in some other place to which members of the public have ready access; and

(c) must not detain the vessel or vehicle for longer than is necessary and reasonable to search it and any thing found in or on it; and

(d) may use such force as is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances, but must not damage the vessel or vehicle or any thing found in or on it by forcing open a part of the vessel or vehicle or thing unless:

(i) the person (if any) apparently in charge of the vessel or vehicle has been given a reasonable opportunity to open that part or thing; or

(ii) it is not possible to give that person such an opportunity.

Division 6—General rules about premises and warrants

66AK Availability of assistance, and use of force, in executing a warrant

In executing a warrant:

(a) the executing officer may obtain such assistance as is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances; and

(b) the executing officer, or a quarantine officer who is assisting in executing the warrant, may use such force against persons and things as is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances; and

(c) a person who is not a quarantine officer, but has been authorised to assist in executing the warrant, may use such force against things as is necessary and reasonable in the circumstances.

66AL Announcement before entry under warrants

(1) The executing officer must, before any person enters premises under a warrant:

(a) announce that he or she is authorised by the warrant to enter the premises; and

(b) give any person at the premises an opportunity to allow entry to the premises.

(2) The executing officer does not have to comply with subsection (1) if he or she believes on reasonable grounds that immediate entry to the premises is required to ensure:

(a) the safety of a person (including the executing officer); or

(b) that the effective execution of the warrant is not frustrated.

66AM Details of warrant to be given to occupier etc.

(1) If a warrant in relation to premises is being executed and the occupier of the premises, or another person who apparently represents the occupier, is present at the premises, the executing officer or an officer assisting must make a copy of the warrant available to that person.

(2) The executing officer must identify himself or herself to the person at the premises.

(3) The copy of the warrant referred to in subsection (1) need not include the signature of the magistrate who issued the warrant.

66AN Occupier to be present during search under warrants

(1) If a warrant issued in relation to premises is being executed and the occupier of the premises, or another person who apparently represents the occupier, is present at the premises, the person is, subject to Part IC of the Crimes Act 1914, entitled to observe the search being conducted.

(2) The right to observe the search being conducted ceases if the person impedes the search.

(3) This section does not prevent 2 or more areas of the premises being searched at the same time.

66AO Use of equipment to examine or process things

(1) A person who enters premises under this Part may bring to the premises and use any equipment reasonably necessary for the examination or processing of things found at the premises for the purposes of exercising a power conferred on the person under this Part.

(2) If:

(a) it is not practicable to examine or process the things at the premises; or

(b) the occupier of the premises consents in writing;

the things may be moved to another place so that the examination or processing can be carried out.

(3) If things containing electronically stored information are moved to another place under subsection (2), the person referred to in subsection (1) must, if it is practicable to do so:

(a) tell the occupier the address of the place and the time at which the examination or processing will be carried out; and

(b) allow the occupier, or a representative of the occupier, to be present during the examination or processing.

(4) A person who enters premises under this Part may operate equipment already at the premises to carry out the examination or processing of a thing found at the premises for the purpose of exercising a power conferred on the person under this Part, if the person believes on reasonable grounds that:

(a) the equipment is suitable for the examination or processing; and

(b) the examination or processing can be carried out without damage to the equipment or the thing.

66AP Use of electronic equipment at premises

(1) A person who enters premises under this Part may operate electronic equipment at the premises for the purpose of exercising a power conferred on the person under this Part if he or she believes on reasonable grounds that the operation of the equipment can be carried out without damage to the equipment.

(2) If the person, after operating the equipment, finds that evidential material is accessible by doing so, he or she may:

(a) seize the equipment and any disk, tape or other associated device; or

(b) if the material can, by using facilities at the premises, be put in documentary form—operate the facilities to put the material in that form and seize the documents so produced; or

(i) which is brought to the premises; or

(ii) which is at the premises and the use of which for the purpose has been agreed to in writing by the occupier of the premises;

operate the equipment or other facilities to copy the material to the storage device and take the storage device from the premises.

(3) A person may seize equipment under paragraph (2)(a) only if:

(a) it is not practicable to put the material in documentary form as mentioned in paragraph (2)(b) or to copy the material as mentioned in paragraph (2)(c); or

(b) possession of the equipment by the occupier could constitute an offence.

(4) If the person believes on reasonable grounds that:

(a) evidential material may be accessible by operating electronic equipment at the premises; and

(b) expert assistance is required to operate the equipment; and

(c) if he or she does not take action under this subsection, the material may be destroyed, altered or otherwise interfered with;

he or she may do whatever is necessary to secure the equipment, whether by locking it up, placing a guard or otherwise.

(5) The person must give notice to the occupier of the premises of his or her intention to secure equipment and of the fact that the equipment may be secured for up to 24 hours.

(6) The equipment may be secured:

(a) for a period not exceeding 24 hours; or

(b) until the equipment has been operated by the expert;

whichever happens first.

(7) If the person believes on reasonable grounds that the expert assistance will not be available within 24 hours, he or she may apply to a magistrate for an extension of that period.

(8) The person must give notice to the occupier of the premises of his or her intention to apply for an extension, and the occupier is entitled to be heard in relation to the application.

66AQ Compensation for damage to equipment

(1) If:

(a) equipment is damaged because of being operated as mentioned in section 66AO or 66AP; and

(b) the damage was caused by:

(i) insufficient care being exercised in selecting the person who was to operate the equipment; or

(ii) insufficient care being exercised by the person (other than the occupier or a person employed by the occupier) operating the equipment;

compensation for the damage is payable to the owner of the equipment.

(2) Compensation is payable out of money appropriated by the Parliament for the purpose.

(3) In determining the amount of compensation payable, regard is to be had to whether the occupier of the premises and the employees and agents of the occupier, if they were available at the time, had provided any warning or guidance as to the operation of the equipment that was appropriate in the circumstances.

66AR Copies of seized things to be given

(1) Subject to subsection (2), if a person who enters premises under this Part seizes:

(a) a document, film, computer file or other thing that can readily be copied; or

(b) a storage device the information in which can readily be copied;

the person must, if asked to do so by the occupier of the premises or another person who apparently represents the occupier and is present when the seizure takes place, give a copy of the thing or the information to that person as soon as practicable after the seizure.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if:

(a) the thing has been seized under paragraph 66AP(2)(b) or taken under paragraph 66AP(2)(c); or

(b) possession by the occupier of the document, film, computer file, thing or information could constitute an offence.

66AS Retention of things that are seized

(1) Subject to any contrary order of a court, if a person seizes a thing under this Part, the person must return it if:

(a) the reason for its seizure no longer exists or it is decided that it is not to be used in evidence; or

(b) the period of 60 days after its seizure ends;

whichever first occurs, unless the thing is forfeited or forfeitable to the Commonwealth or is the subject of a dispute as to ownership.

(2) At the end of the 60 days specified in paragraph (1)(b), the person must take reasonable steps to return the thing to the person from whom it was seized (or to the owner if that person is not entitled to possess it) unless:

(a) proceedings in which the thing may be used in evidence were begun before the end of the 60 days and have not been completed (including an appeal to a court in relation to those proceedings); or

(b) the person may retain the thing because of an order under section 66AT; or

(c) the person is otherwise authorised or required (by a law, or an order of a court, of the Commonwealth, of a State or of a Territory) to retain, destroy or dispose of the thing.

66AT Magistrate may permit a thing to be kept

(1) If a person seizes a thing under this Part; and:

(a) before the end of 60 days after the seizure; or

(b) before the end of a period previously stated in an order of a magistrate under this section;

proceedings in which the thing may be used in evidence have not been brought, the person may apply to a magistrate for an order that he or she may keep the thing for a further period.

(2) If the magistrate is satisfied that it is necessary for the person to continue to keep the thing:

(a) for the purpose of an investigation as to whether an offence has been committed; or

(b) to enable evidence of an offence to be secured for the purposes of a prosecution;

the magistrate may order that the person may keep the thing for a period stated in the order.

(3) Before making the application, the person must:

(a) take reasonable steps to discover who has an interest in the retention of the thing; and

(b) if it is practicable to do so, give notice of the proposed application to everyone who the person believes has such an interest.

(4) A function of making an order conferred on a magistrate by this section is conferred on the magistrate in a personal capacity and not as a court or a member of a court.

(5) Without limiting the generality of subsection (4), an order made by a magistrate under this section has effect only by this Act and is not taken, by implication, to be made by a court.

(6) A magistrate performing a function of, or connected with, making an order under this section has the same protection and immunity as if he or she were performing that function as, or as a member of, a court (being the court of which the magistrate is a member).

(7) The Governor‑General may make arrangements with the Governor of a State or the Administrator of the Northern Territory for the performance, by all or any of the people who from time to time hold office as magistrates in that State or Territory, of the function of making orders under this section.

(8) The Prime Minister may make arrangements with the Chief Minister for the Australian Capital Territory for the performance, by all or any of the people who from time to time hold office as magistrates of that Territory, of the function of making orders under this section.

66AU Release of seized goods

The Secretary may authorise any evidential material seized under this Part to be released to the owner, or to the person from whose possession it was seized, either unconditionally or on any conditions that the Secretary thinks fit.

66AV Quarantine officer must produce identity card

A quarantine officer may not exercise any powers under this Part in relation to premises (other than premises entered under a warrant) if:

(a) the occupier of the premises has required the officer to produce his or her identity card for inspection by the occupier; and

(b) the officer fails to comply with the requirement.

66AW Giving of consent

(1) Before obtaining the consent of a person for the purposes of entering premises under section 66AB or 66AE, a quarantine officer must tell the person that the person may refuse to give consent.

(2) An entry by a quarantine officer in consequence of the consent of a person is not lawful unless the person voluntarily consented to the entry.

66AX Receipts for things seized or moved

(1) If a thing is seized under this Part, or moved under subsection 66AO(2), a quarantine officer must provide a receipt for it.

(2) If 2 or more things are seized or moved, they may be covered in the one receipt.

Part VIB—Commission of inquiry into equine influenza outbreak

66AY Appointment of Commissioner

(1) The Minister may, in writing, appoint a person to:

(a) conduct a Commission of inquiry into matters specified in the instrument of appointment relating to all or any of the following:

(i) the outbreak of equine influenza in Australia in 2007;

(ii) quarantine requirements and practices relating to the outbreak;

(iii) any matters incidental to the matters referred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii); and

(b) report to the Minister on the matters (including any recommendations relating to the matters) on or before a day specified in the instrument of appointment.

(2) The appointment takes effect on the day of effect specified in the instrument of appointment. The day of effect must not be earlier than the day on which the instrument is made.

(3) A copy of the instrument must be published in the Gazette.

(4) The Commissioner’s report is not a legislative instrument.

66AZ Hearings

(1) The Commissioner may hold hearings for the purposes of the Commission of inquiry.

(2) The hearings may be held at such places, whether within or outside Australia, as the Commissioner determines.

(3) Subject to this Act, the procedure at a hearing is to be such as the Commissioner determines.

66AZA Commissioner not bound by the rules of evidence

The Commissioner is not bound by the rules of evidence and may inform himself or herself on any matter in such manner as he or she thinks fit.

66AZB Quarantine officers

(1) The Director of Quarantine may enter into an arrangement with the Commissioner to make quarantine officers available, for a period not exceeding the duration of the Commission of inquiry, to assist with the conduct of the Commission of inquiry.

(2) In performing functions and exercising powers to the extent reasonably necessary to assist with the conduct of the Commission of inquiry, a quarantine officer made available under such an arrangement:

(a) is subject to the directions of the Commissioner; and

(b) despite subsection 8A(6) or 8B(6), is not subject to the directions of a Chief Quarantine Officer or Director of Quarantine.

66AZC Conferral of quarantine powers

(1) The Director of Quarantine may, in writing, determine that a specified person, or a person included in a specified class of persons, who is engaged by the Commonwealth to assist with the conduct of the Commission of inquiry has all the functions and powers of, or specified functions and/or powers of, a quarantine officer under this Act.

(2) The person is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to be a quarantine officer in connection with the performance of those functions and the exercise of those powers.

(3) In performing those functions and exercising those powers, the person:

(a) is subject to the directions of the Commissioner; and

(b) is not subject to the directions of a Chief Quarantine Officer or Director of Quarantine.

(4) A determination made under subsection (1) is not a legislative instrument.

66AZD Disclosure of personal information

The disclosure of personal information (within the meaning of the Privacy Act 1988) by:

(a) a quarantine officer; or

(b) a person engaged under the Public Service Act 1999;

for the purposes of assisting with the conduct of the Commission of inquiry is taken to be authorised by law.

Note: The effect of this section includes (but is not limited to) an authorisation for the purposes of paragraph (1)(d) of Information Privacy Principle 11 in section 14 of the Privacy Act 1988.

66AZE Application of the Royal Commissions Act 1902

(1) Subject to this section, the Royal Commissions Act 1902, other than sections 4 and 5, applies in relation to the Commission of inquiry, and to the Commissioner conducting it, as if:

(a) the Commission of inquiry were a Royal Commission; and

(b) the Commissioner were a member of a Royal Commission; and

(2) This section does not make the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence.

(3) The regulations may, for the purposes of the application of section 9 of the Royal Commissions Act 1902 in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, provide for or specify matters of the kind referred to in subsection 9(2) of that Act.

(4) Section 9 of the Royal Commissions Act 1902, in its application in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, has effect as if those regulations were regulations made for the purposes of subsection 9(2) of that Act.

(5) Sections 10 and 15 of the Royal Commissions Act 1902, in their application in accordance with subsection (1) of this section, have effect as if references in those sections to offences against that Act included references to such offences as apply in accordance with subsection (1) of this section.

66AZF Application of laws relating to disclosure

A law of the Commonwealth that relates to the disclosure of information applies in relation to disclosure of information to the Commission of inquiry in the same way that it would apply to disclosure of the information to a Royal Commission.

Part VII—Miscellaneous

66B Compliance agreements

(1) A Director of Quarantine may, on behalf of the Commonwealth, enter into an agreement (a compliance agreement) with a person in connection with:

(a) the application of particular procedures in respect of goods; and

(b) the supervision, monitoring and testing of the person’s compliance with those procedures.

(2) The terms of a compliance agreement must be in accordance with this section and the regulations.

(3) A compliance agreement may provide that, in circumstances stated in the agreement, a Director of Quarantine may, by written notice given to a party to the agreement other than the Commonwealth, cancel or vary the agreement or suspend its operation for a period, or until the happening of an event, stated in the notice.

(4) A quarantine officer may notify a party to a compliance agreement other than the Commonwealth in writing of procedures to which the agreement is to extend in addition to those specifically referred to in the agreement and, if such a notification is given, the agreement has effect as if those procedures were referred to in it.

(5) The regulations may require a compliance agreement to include provision for the giving of security for the proper observance of the agreement by a party other than the Commonwealth and, if security is so given under such a provision, the security may be enforced or forfeited regardless of any liability or penalty to which a person may be subject under this Act or the regulations.

(6) A quarantine officer may release goods to which a compliance agreement applies from quarantine on the basis of a certificate or assurance, given by a person authorised under the agreement to give such a certificate or assurance, that all the procedures to which the agreement refers have been complied with in respect of the goods.

(7) A party to a compliance agreement other than the Commonwealth is guilty of an offence if that party fails to ensure that any requirements imposed on that party under the agreement are complied with.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

(8) In this section:

goods has the meaning given by subsection 5(1), and includes a vessel.

procedures includes:

(a) the doing of anything under this Act; and

(b) the doing of anything in connection with activities carried out in the performance of functions related to quarantine.

(9) The definition of goods in subsection (8) does not affect the meaning of goods in any other provision of this Act.

67 Penalties for certain acts done in contravention of Act

Basic illegal importation offence

(1) A person is guilty of an offence against this subsection if:

(a) the person imports, introduces, or brings into any port or other place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island any thing; and

(b) the person knows that the thing is:

(i) a disease or pest; or

(ii) a substance or article containing a disease or pest; or

(iii) an animal, plant or other goods; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

Strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c)

(2) For the purposes of an offence against subsection (1), strict liability applies to paragraph (1)(c).

Aggravated illegal importation offence

(3) A person is guilty of aggravated illegal importation if:

(a) the person imports, introduces, or brings into any port or other place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island any thing; and

(b) the person knows that the thing is:

(i) a disease or pest; or

(ii) a substance or article containing a disease or pest; or

(iii) an animal, plant or other goods; and

(d) the person obtains, or is likely to obtain, a commercial advantage over the person’s competitors or potential competitors.

Maximum penalty:

(a) if the offender is an individual—imprisonment for 10 years or a fine of 2,000 penalty units, or both; and

(b) if the offender is a body corporate—a fine of 10,000 penalty units.

Examples of commercial advantage

(4) The following are examples of a commercial advantage as referred to in subsection (3):

(a) the avoidance of business costs associated with obtaining an import permit or meeting quarantine requirements; or

(b) the avoidance of delays necessarily involved in compliance with applicable quarantine measures.

Strict liability applies to paragraph (3)(c)

(4A) For the purposes of an offence against subsection (3), strict liability applies to paragraph (3)(c).

Illegal removal offence

(4B) A person is guilty of an offence against this subsection if:

(a) the person removes any thing:

(i) from a part of Australia to another part of Australia; or

(ii) from a part of the Cocos Islands to another part of the Cocos Islands; or

(iii) from Australia to the Cocos Islands; or

(iv) from the Cocos Islands to Australia; or

(v) from a part of Christmas Island to another part of Christmas Island; or

(vi) from Australia to Christmas Island; or

(vii) from Christmas Island to Australia; or

(viii) from Christmas Island to the Cocos Islands; and

(b) the person knows that the thing is an animal, plant or other goods; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

Strict liability applies to paragraph (4B)(c)

(4C) For the purposes of an offence against subsection (4B), strict liability applies to paragraph (4B)(c).

Non‑compliance with condition of permit granted under Proclamation

(5) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person fails to comply with a condition or restriction set out in a permit granted under a Proclamation made in accordance with subsection 13(2A); and

(b) the person is reckless as to whether or not the condition or restriction is complied with.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

Hindering compliance with Act

(6) A person is guilty of an offence if the person:

(a) does any act that hinders or prevents another person from complying with this Act; and

(b) is reckless as to whether or not the doing of that act hinders or prevents the other person from complying with this Act.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

67A Liability of master or owner of vessel for importation of prohibited animals

The master or owner of a vessel shall not bring, or permit to be brought, in the vessel, any animal into any port or place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island in contravention of this Act, the regulations or any proclamation under this Act.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 10 years.

68 Effect of unlawful importation etc.

Circumstances in which section applies

(1) This section applies if:

(a) any animals, plants or other goods are imported or introduced into, or brought into any port or other place in, Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; or

(b) any animals, plants or other goods are removed:

(i) from a part of Australia to another part of Australia; or

(ii) from a part of the Cocos Islands to another part of the Cocos Islands; or

(iii) from Australia to the Cocos Islands; or

(iv) from the Cocos Islands to Australia; or

(v) from a part of Christmas Island to another part of Christmas Island; or

(vi) from Australia to Christmas Island; or

(vii) from Christmas Island to Australia; or

(viii) from Christmas Island to the Cocos Islands; or

(ix) from the Cocos Islands to Christmas Island; or

in contravention of this Act.

Seizure of goods

(2) A quarantine officer may seize the animals, plants or goods and, if they are seized:

(a) they are forfeited to the Commonwealth; and

(b) the quarantine officer must give a notice to a person referred to in subsection (4) stating that they have been seized and forfeited to the Commonwealth and that they will be sold, destroyed, exported from Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island or otherwise disposed of in any way that a Director of Quarantine thinks appropriate; and

(c) a Director of Quarantine may cause the animals, plants or goods to be sold, destroyed, exported from Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island or otherwise disposed of.

Notice by Director of Quarantine where goods not seized

(3) If the animals, plants or goods have not been seized under subsection (2), a Director of Quarantine may give a notice to a person referred to in subsection (4) stating that they will be seized, sold, destroyed, exported from Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island or otherwise disposed of in any way that the Director thinks appropriate unless, within a period set out in the notice:

(a) they are destroyed, exported from Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, as the case may be, or otherwise dealt with in a way set out in the notice; and

(b) any other requirements set out in the notice relating to the animals, plants or goods are complied with.

Person to whom notice may be given

(4) A notice under subsection (2) or (3) may be given:

(a) in respect of animals, plants or other goods imported or introduced into, or brought into any port or other place in, Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island—to the importer or consignee of the goods; or

(b) otherwise—to the owner, or the person in possession or control, of the animals, plants or goods.

Notice must not require action involving unacceptably high level of risk

(5) A Director of Quarantine must not give a notice under subsection (3) if the Director is not satisfied that:

(a) if the animals, plants or goods are dealt with in the way set out in the notice, there will be no unacceptably high level of quarantine risk; or

(b) the person will either comply with the notice or tell the Director within the period set out in the notice that the person does not wish to deal with the goods as required by the notice.

Authorised action will not contravene Act

(6) If, the animals, plants or goods have not been released from quarantine, any movement of, interference with, or dealing with, them that is necessary to comply with the notice is not a contravention of this Act.

Liability for things done before notice not affected

(7) Any civil or criminal liability of the person to whom a notice is given because of a contravention of this Act that occurred in relation to the animals, plants or goods before the notice is given is not affected by the giving of the notice.

Further notice may be given

(8) At any time before the person to whom a notice under subsection (3) is given complies with the notice, a Director of Quarantine may give a further notice to the person amending or revoking the notice. If the notice is amended, this section applies to the notice as amended in the same way as it applied to the original notice.

If notice is not complied with

(9) If a notice is given to a person under subsection (3) within the period prescribed by the regulations for the purposes of this subsection, but the person:

(a) does not comply with the notice within the period specified in it; or

(b) tells a Director of Quarantine within that period that the person does not wish to deal with the goods as required by the notice;

the following provisions have effect:

(d) an officer or an officer of Customs may seize them; and

(e) a Director of Quarantine may cause them to be sold, destroyed, exported from Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island or otherwise disposed of.

68A Destruction of certain animals

If:

(a) an animal has been brought into a port or other place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island but the animal was not intended, or is not permitted, to be imported into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, as the case may be; and

(b) the master of a vessel or installation fails to comply with:

(i) a direction given by a Director of Quarantine with respect to the animal; or

(ii) any of the prescribed conditions relating to the giving of reports about the animal, or relating to the control or confinement of, or the giving of access to, the animal;

a quarantine officer may destroy the animal.

69 Seizure of animals, plants or other goods

(1) If any animals, plants or other goods that are subject to quarantine are found at a place other than a quarantine station:

(a) any officer or police officer may seize them; and

(b) if an officer or police officer does so—he or she must take them to a quarantine station or to such other place as a Director of Quarantine directs.

(2) If an animal that is required to be kept under quarantine surveillance at a particular place (the place of surveillance) is found at another place:

(a) any officer or police officer may seize it; and

(b) if an officer or police officer does so—he or she must take it back to the place of surveillance or to such other place as a Director of Quarantine directs.

(3) In this section:

quarantine station, in relation to an animal, plant or other goods, includes:

(a) a place approved under section 46A in relation to a class of animals, plants or other goods in which the animal, plant or other goods are included; and

(b) any other place where the animal, plant or other goods may be detained under this Act.

69A Compensation for destroyed goods

(1) Subject to this section, where any goods (including any animal or plant) or any premises comprising buildings or other structures are destroyed under or in accordance with this Act, the Minister may, if he or she considers it appropriate to do so, approve the payment of compensation under this section in respect of those goods or premises.

(2) The Minister shall not approve the payment of compensation under this section in respect of:

(a) goods unlawfully imported into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; or

(b) goods lawfully imported into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island that were in quarantine at all times between their importation and destruction, other than a prescribed animal destroyed at a quarantine station.

(3) The Minister shall not approve the payment of compensation under this section in respect of goods or premises where the Minister is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that:

(a) the goods or premises were destroyed by reason of an act or omission in contravention of a law of the Commonwealth, a law of a State or a law of a Territory; and

(b) a person who had, or was a member of a partnership that had, an interest in the goods or premises at the time of their destruction:

(i) was a party to, or was in any way directly or indirectly concerned in, the act or omission;

(ii) had an interest in the goods or premises at the time when the act or omission occurred and, at an earlier time, knew, ought to have known, or had reasonable grounds for suspecting, that the act or omission would occur; or

(iii) acquired an interest in the goods or premises after the act or omission occurred and, at the time when he or she acquired that interest, knew, ought to have known, or had reasonable grounds for suspecting, that the act or omission had occurred.

(4) Where an animal destroyed at a quarantine station had been lawfully imported into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island and had been in quarantine at all times between its importation and destruction, the Minister shall not approve the payment of compensation under this section in respect of the animal if he or she is satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that, before the animal left its place of origin for exportation to Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island, the animal was infected, or was likely to be infected, with a disease or pest for reasons relating to which the animal was destroyed.

(5) Subject to this section, compensation approved under this section in respect of goods or premises shall:

(a) where there is only one owner of the goods or premises—be paid to the owner; or

(b) where there are 2 or more owners of the goods or premises—be divided among those owners in accordance with their interests in the goods or premises at the time of their destruction.

(6) If a quarantine officer or other person who causes goods or premises to be destroyed under this Act knows, at the time of the destruction of the goods or premises, the name and address of the owner or any of the owners of the goods or premises, the quarantine officer or other person must give written notice of the destruction of the goods or other premises to that owner or each of those owners, either personally or by post.

(7) An owner is not entitled to compensation under this section in respect of goods or premises unless a claim for compensation in respect of the goods or premises is made by or on behalf of the owner within 12 months after:

(a) if under subsection (6) notice of the destruction of the goods or premises is required to be given to him or her—that notice is given; or

(b) in any other case—the goods or premises are destroyed.

(8) A claim for compensation under subsection (7) shall be in a form approved by the Minister and shall be accompanied by such documents as are required by that form to accompany the claim.

(9) The compensation payable under this section in respect of goods or premises is an amount equal to:

(a) except where paragraph (b) or (c) applies—the market value of the goods or premises immediately before their destruction;

(b) in the case of an animal (other than an animal to which paragraph (c) applies) destroyed by reason of the animal being infected, or suspected of being infected, with a disease or pest—the market value that the animal would have had at the time of its destruction if it had not been infected or suspected of being infected; or

(c) in the case of an animal imported into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island that was in quarantine at all times between its importation and destruction—the sum of the market value of the animal in the country of export at the time of export and the charges for freight, maintenance or similar expenses in respect of the animal incurred after the animal left its place of origin for exportation to Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island and before its destruction.

(10) If the Minister and the owner or the owners entitled to compensation under this section in respect of goods or premises do not agree as to the market value or sum that, in accordance with subsection (9), is to be the amount of that compensation, that market value or sum shall be determined by a person agreed upon by the Minister and by the owner or owners entitled to that compensation.

(11) Where the Minister approves the payment of compensation under this section in respect of goods or premises and:

(a) the Minister and the owner or owners entitled to be paid that compensation agree on the market value or sum that, in accordance with subsection (9), is to be the amount of that compensation; or

(b) that market value or sum is determined in accordance with subsection (10);

that amount of compensation is payable to the owner or owners so entitled and the amount so payable to the owner or an owner may be recovered by him or her by action against the Commonwealth in a court of competent jurisdiction.

(12) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person makes a statement that is false or misleading in a material particular; and

(b) the statement is made with the intention of obtaining pecuniary benefit for the person or for another person under this section; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

(12A) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person makes a statement that is false or misleading in a material particular; and

(b) the statement is made with the intention of obtaining pecuniary benefit for the person or for another person under this section; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

(12B) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person does a fraudulent act; and

(b) the act is done with the intention of obtaining pecuniary benefit for the person or for another person under this section.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years.

(13) For the purposes of this section:

(a) goods subject to quarantine or ordered into quarantine shall be taken to be in quarantine;

(b) where goods imported into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island on a vessel are ordered into quarantine on, or soon after, the granting of pratique in relation to that vessel, the goods shall be deemed to have continued to be subject to quarantine during the period commencing when pratique was granted in relation to the vessel and ending when the goods were ordered into quarantine; and

(c) where goods subject to quarantine or ordered into quarantine are released from quarantine for the purpose of exportation, the goods shall be deemed to continue to be in quarantine.

(14) In this section and subject to subsection (14A), owner, in relation to goods or premises that have been destroyed, means a person who, or a partnership which, had an interest in the goods or premises at the time of their destruction, but does not include a person who had such an interest by reason only that he or she was entitled to the benefit of a mortgage or other charge, or a lien, in respect of the goods or premises (other than a PPSA security interest) unless he or she was in possession of the goods or occupying, or otherwise in control of, the premises, at that time.

(14A) For the purposes of the definition of owner in subsection (14), a person who, or a partnership which, had an interest in the goods or premises at the time of their destruction does not include a person or partnership if the person or partnership:

(a) holds a PPSA security interest in the goods or premises; but

(b) is not in possession or control of the goods or premises at that time.

(15) In this section, prescribed animal means an animal other than any of the following, that is to say:

(a) a horse, an ass, a mule or a pig;

(b) a ruminant;

(d) an animal imported by an organization engaged in scientific research for the purposes of that research.

70 Power to board vessels and examine things found on them

(1) A quarantine officer may board any vessel that:

(a) is in a port or place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; or

(b) is:

(i) on the seaward side of the outer limits of the territorial sea of Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island and is within 9 nautical miles, or such greater distance as the Governor‑General, by proclamation, declares, of those outer limits; and

(ii) bound for a port or place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island;

and may, after boarding the vessel:

(d) examine any animals, plants or other goods on board the vessel; and

(e) examine the passenger list, log, manifest, journal and any other papers relating to the vessel or to any persons, animals, plants or other goods on board the vessel.

(2) The master of a vessel is guilty of an offence if:

(a) he or she is required by a quarantine officer to produce to him or her for examination the papers referred to in paragraph (1)(e); and

(b) he or she fails to comply with the requirement.

Maximum penalty: 60 penalty units.

Note: Subsection (2) is not subject to the privilege against self incrimination but a use derivative‑use indemnity applies (see subsections 79A(1) and (2)).

(2A) An offence against subsection (2) is an offence of strict liability.

(3) A person authorized in writing by a Director of Quarantine to act under this subsection may board any vessel that:

(a) is in a port or place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island; or

(b) is:

(ii) bound for a port or place in Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island;

and may, after boarding the vessel, enter and examine any part of the vessel and all animals, plants or other goods on board the vessel.

70AA Power to board installations and examine things found on them

(1) This section applies in relation to:

(a) any Australian installation or any overseas installation; and

(b) any installation (other than an Australian installation or an overseas installation) on which a quarantine officer has reasonable grounds to believe there are any persons who are, or any animals, plants or other goods that are, subject to quarantine.

(2) A quarantine officer may board an installation to which this section applies and:

(a) enter and examine any part of the installation;

(b) examine any animals, plants or other goods on board the installation; and

(c) examine any log, manifest, journal and any other papers related to the installation or to any persons, animals, plants or other goods on board the installation.

(3) The master of an installation to which this section applies is guilty of an offence if:

(a) he or she is required by a quarantine officer to produce to him or her for examination the papers referred to in paragraph (2)(c); and

(b) he or she fails to comply with the requirement.

Maximum penalty: 60 penalty units.

Note: Subsection (3) is not subject to the privilege against self incrimination but a use derivative‑use indemnity applies (see subsections 79A(1) and (2)).

(3A) An offence against subsection (3) is an offence of strict liability.

(4) A person authorized in writing by a Director of Quarantine to act under this subsection may board an installation to which this section applies and may enter and examine any part of the installation and any animals, plants or other goods on board the installation.

70A Power to search goods

(1) A quarantine officer may search and examine any goods which, or which a quarantine officer believes on reasonable grounds:

(a) are about to be placed on, are on, or have been taken off or out of, an overseas vessel; or

(b) are on, or are about to be placed on, a vessel or installation in the Protected Zone or a Special Quarantine Zone that is about to travel to a place in Australia; or

(c) are on, or have been taken off or out of, a vessel or installation that has travelled to a place in Australia from or through a place in the Protected Zone or a Special Quarantine Zone.

(2) A quarantine officer may ask a person who owns, is carrying or is otherwise associated with, or appears to the quarantine officer to be associated with, goods that the quarantine officer is searching or examining or entitled to search or examine under subsection (1) any question in respect of the goods relating to matters within the functions, duties or powers of the quarantine officer.

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person is asked a question under subsection (2); and

(b) the person fails to answer the question.

Maximum penalty: 60 penalty units.

(4) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person answers a question asked under subsection (2); and

(b) the answer contains a statement that the person knows to be false or misleading in a material particular.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

(5) An offence against subsection (3) is an offence of strict liability.

Note: This section is subject to the privilege against self incrimination (see subsection 79A(3)).

70B Powers of officers in relation to goods

(1) In this section, prescribed goods means goods that:

(a) are, or have been, subject to quarantine; or

(b) a quarantine officer believes, on reasonable grounds, are, or have been, subject to quarantine.

(2) A quarantine officer may ask a person who the officer believes on reasonable grounds has information in respect of prescribed goods any question in respect of the goods relating to matters within the functions, duties or powers of the officer.

Note 1: It is an offence to fail to answer a question asked under this subsection (see section 74C).

Note 2: It is an offence to give false or misleading information in answer to a question asked under this subsection (see section 137.1 of the Criminal Code).

(3) A quarantine officer may require a person who the officer believes on reasonable grounds has the custody or control of documents in respect of prescribed goods relating to matters within the functions, duties or powers of the officer to produce to the officer such of those documents as are specified by the officer.

Note 1: It is an offence to fail to produce a document (see section 74C).

Note 2: It is an offence to produce a document knowing that the document is false or misleading unless the document is accompanied by a written statement acknowledging that the document is false or misleading (see section 137.2 of the Criminal Code).

(4) A quarantine officer may require a person who the officer believes on reasonable grounds is the owner, or the agent of the owner, of prescribed goods or of goods that have been, or that the quarantine officer suspects, or believes on reasonable grounds, have been, exposed to prescribed goods, to deliver to the officer samples of such of those goods owned by him or her or by his or her principal as are specified by the officer.

Note: It is an offence to fail to deliver a sample required to be delivered under this subsection (see section 74C).

(5) A quarantine officer may make copies of, or take extracts from, any documents produced under subsection (3) and, for the purpose of making a copy of, or taking an extract from, a document, may remove the document from the place at which it was produced.

(6) A quarantine officer may carry out tests on any samples delivered under subsection (4).

70BA Carrying out tests on samples

If a quarantine officer has power under this Act to carry out tests on any samples, the officer has power to carry out tests that result in the destruction, or reduce the value, of the samples or of a package or goods associated with the samples.

70BB Officers may be assisted by animals

(1) A quarantine officer is entitled to be accompanied by, and make use of, an animal to help the officer in:

(a) exercising the power to enter and search a quarantine station, a quarantine area, a place approved under section 46A or another place at which animals, plants or other goods may be detained under this Act; or

(b) examining or inspecting any vessel, installation, premises, vehicle, animals, plants or other goods.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply unless:

(a) the quarantine officer is authorised by a Director of Quarantine to handle animals in the performance of his or her functions or duties; and

(b) the animal is under the effective control of the quarantine officer.

(3) If the quarantine officer is exercising a power under a warrant, subsection (1) does not apply unless the use of the animal is authorised by the warrant.

70C Offences in relation to goods or vessel

False or misleading statement

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person makes a statement to a quarantine officer in respect of goods; and

(b) the person knows that the statement is false or misleading in a material particular.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Concealment of condition of vessel or nature of goods

(2) A person is guilty of an offence if the person conceals from a quarantine officer the condition of a vessel or the nature of any goods, or any fact or matter relating to the condition of a vessel or the nature of any goods.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

Possession or conveyance of illegally imported goods

(3) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person has in his or her possession, or conveys, any goods; and

(b) the goods have been imported, introduced or otherwise brought into Australia, the Cocos Islands or Christmas Island in contravention of this Act.

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years.

70CA False or misleading statements about approvals, permits, compliance agreements etc.

Making of statements known to be false or misleading

(1) A person is guilty of an offence if:

(a) the person makes an oral or written statement:

(i) that an instrument under this Act has been given to, or on the application of, the person; or

(ii) that an instrument under this Act given to, or on the application of, the person is in force; or

(iii) as to the terms of an instrument under this Act given to, or on the application of, the person; or

(iv) as to any conditions to which an instrument mentioned in subparagraph (iii) is subject; or

(v) that the person is a party to a compliance agreement; or

(vi) as to the terms of a compliance agreement to which the person is a party; or

(vii) as to any conditions to which a compliance agreement mentioned in subparagraph (vi) is subject; and

(b) the statement is false or misleading in a material particular; and

Maximum penalty: Imprisonment for one year.

Negligently making false or misleading statements